Abstract

The construct of Trait Emotional Intelligence (TEI) has generally been analyzed as a protective and enhancing factor for well-being and mental health. But its relationships with spirituality, on the one hand, and the use of specific emotional regulation strategies, on the other hand, remain to be understood. In this paper we present correlational evidence from three studies. In study 1 (n =464), with a sample of adults, we found significant high correlations between TEI and spirituality. In study 2 (n =439), with a sample of adolescents, we confirmed moderate positive correlations with cognitive restructuring and moderate negative correlations with suppression. And in study 3 (n =80), we analyzed the profile of adults with high TEI vs. low TEI in a battery of tests on emotional regulation ability (ERA) and on various emotional self-regulation strategies. This research seeks to understand the particular style of emotional self-regulation decisions and habits that lead people with higher TEI to achieve higher levels of well-being (hedonic and eudemonic) and mental health.