Individual differences in dispositional expressiveness: development and validation of the Emotional Expressivity Scale

J Pers Soc Psychol. 1994 May;66(5):934-49. doi: 10.1037//0022-3514.66.5.934.

Abstract

Although emotional expressivity figures prominently in several theories of psychological and physical functioning, limitations of currently available measurement techniques impede precise and economical testing of these theories. The 17-item Emotional Expressivity Scale (EES) was designed as a self-report measure of the extent to which people outwardly display their emotions. Reliability studies showed the EES to be an internally consistent and stable individual-difference measure. Validational studies established initial convergent and discriminant validities, a moderate relationship between self-rated and other-rated expression, and correspondence between self-report and laboratory-measured expressiveness using both college student and community populations. The potential for the EES to promote and integrate findings across diverse areas of research is discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Arousal
  • Emotions*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Individuality*
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Male
  • Personality Inventory / statistics & numerical data*
  • Self Concept
  • Social Environment
  • Social Perception
  • Verbal Behavior*