Multilingualism and trait emotional intelligence: an exploratory investigation

Abstract

Recent research suggests that multilingualism, advanced knowledge of several languages and frequent use of them can –to some extent- shape personality traits and psychological dimensions. The present study focuses on the effect of multilingualism on emotional intelligence which has been linked to increased emotional granularity, i.e. a greater store of emotion concepts and an increased ability to know how and when to use them (Feldman- Barret, 2017a, b). Using three databases collected for previous studies to which a total of 1278 participants contributed, the present study explores whether individuals knowing more languages, and knowing them to a higher level scored higher on trait Emotional Intelligence. Statistical analyses revealed that, with one exception, no such relationship existed. Possible reasons for this overall null result is that Trait EI is less susceptible than other personality dimensions to be shaped by social environmental factors such as multilingualism or that the instruments used were too blunt.