Emotional intelligence training in team sports: The influence of a season long intervention program on trait emotional intelligence

The aim of this study was to test the effectiveness of an emotional intelligence (EI) training intervention to improve EI at trait level. Sixty-seven rugby players participated in the study. One group received a specific EI training intervention, while the other group served as a control group. The intervention consisted of four face-to-face sessions over a 5-month period, with homework and follow-up procedures. Results showed that the EI training was partially successful in increasing EI, and demonstrates it is possible to enhance EI at trait level in participants while they may not have preexisting motivation to do so.