Trait Emotional Intelligence as a Predictor of Satisfaction with Life in Peruvian and Spanish University Students: A Cross - Cultural Study

satisfaction with life

Abstract

This research aims to: (1) determine the relationship between the dimensions of trait emotional intelligence and  satisfaction with life  in Peruvian and Spanish university students; (2) examine the possible differences between the Peruvian and Spanish sample in the variables TEI and satisfaction with life  (3) analyze the possible gender differences in the Peruvian and Spanish sample in the variables studied; (4) examine the moderating effect of Spanish and Peruvian culture on the relationship between TEI and  satisfaction with life. The total sample of participants was composed of 1220 university students, 513 were Peruvian students, (219 males, 294 females) whose age range was between 17 and 26 years. Mean = 19.66, SD = 1.57.  The Spanish sample was 707 participants; 173 males, 534 females, with a mean = 20.45, SD = 1.88. The Trait Meta-Mood Scale-24 (TMMS-24) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) were used. The results revealed that TEI and satisfaction with life  were significantly associated in both samples. As for the comparison between genders, there are significant differences. Finally, it was found that culture does not moderate TEI and satisfaction with life .