Abstract
Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate relationships between trait emotional intelligence
and emotional state changes over the course of an ultra-endurance foot race covering
a route of approximately 175 miles (282 km) and held in set stages over six days. Design A repeated measures field design that sought to maintain ecological validity was
used. Trait emotional intelligence was defined as a relatively stable concept that
should predict adaptive emotional states experienced over the duration of the race
and therefore associate with pleasant emotions during a 6-stage endurance event. Method Thirty-four runners completed a self-report measure of trait emotional intelligence
before the event started. Participants reported emotional states before and after
each of the six races. Results Repeated measures ANOVA results showed significant variations in emotions over time
and a main effect for trait emotional intelligence. Runners high in self-report trait
emotional intelligence also reported higher pleasant and lower unpleasant emotions
than runners low in trait emotional intelligence. Conclusions Findings lend support to the notion that trait emotional intelligence associates
with adaptive psychological states, suggesting that it may be a key individual difference
that explains why some athletes respond to repeated bouts of hard exercise better
than others. Future research should test the effectiveness of interventions designed
to enhance trait emotional intelligence and examine the attendant impact on emotional
responses to intense exercise during multi-stage events.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: March 28, 2011
Accepted:
March 3,
2011
Received in revised form:
February 17,
2011
Received:
July 14,
2010
Identification
Copyright
© 2011 Published by Elsevier Inc.
