Emotional Intelligence Research Trends and Future Research Directions in Korean Journals

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to analyze the characteristics of emotional intelligence and the variables related to emotional intelligence in a comprehensive manner. In addition, the study intends to present research trends and future research directions of emotional intelligence in a Korean context by analyzing the effects of emotional intelligence and its mechanisms. Research Design, Data, and Methodology: 77 KCI listed studies were selected for the analysis, and the research perspective of emotional intelligence, measurement instruments, empirical research and research methods were analyzed. In addition, research directions were suggested based on the analysis results. Results: The results of the analysis were as follows: First, previous researchers used the ability model of emotional intelligence the most. Second, Previous studies tended to focus on behavioral factors as dependent variables affected by emotional intelligence, in addition to attitudes, affection. Third, there were few studies on the antecedents of emotional intelligence, however, most studies dealt with the consequences of emotional intelligence. Fourth, few studies dealt with moderators between emotional intelligence and dependent variables. Fifth, on the research type, most studies were quantitative studies, however, a few of them were qualitative studies (Literature review, in-depth interview). Sixth, with regard to the analysis level, almost all studies were conducted on the individual level of emotional intelligence, and most studies featured a cross-sectional research design (longitudinal research design was rare). Conclusion: First, from the perspective of emotional intelligence, additional research should be focused on not only the ability model of emotional intelligence but also on the trait model or the mixed model in the future. Second, since emotional intelligence is a multidimensional construct, it is necessary to study the profile of emotional intelligence by employing people