Abstract

This study focused on the emotional complexity as an individual difference variable. Emotional Complexity Coding Scheme(ECCS) has been developed based on Harter's(1986) four developmental levels of emotion to measure individual's complexity in processing emotion-related information. In Study 1, 4 stimuli from TAT and 2 stimuli from KCAT were used to elicit emotional responses which were rated by two caters according to the ECCS. Cognitive complexity was measured using a questionnaire concerning the distribution of bone-marrows. The results revealed a high internal consistency as well as inter-rater reliability of ECCS. Also, a low negative correlation(r=-.26, p<.05) was found between emotional complexity and cognitive complexity. Emotionally complex individuals were found to have more clear experience of emotions with better coping ability, to be more empathetic toward others, and actively engaged in exchange of emotional support with others. In Study 2, the hypothesis that emotionally complex individuals are better at accurate understanding of others' emotions by having the subjects listen to a recorded tape from which they identified the emotions and the intensity of the emotions felt by 4 speakers in emotional situations. The results showed that emotionally complex individuals were better in both identifying others' felt emotions and rating their intensity. Lastly, suggestions and implications for the future investigations are discussed.