Adaptation and Psychometric Properties of the Greek Version of the Trait Meta-Mood Scale

Meta-mood encompasses an aspect of emotional intelligence, revealing an individual’s ability in perceiving emotions, regulating emotional states, and comprehending and contemplating mood. Given the scarcity of instruments assessing emotional intelligence in Greece, the present study aimed at adapting and validating the 30-item Trait Meta-Mood Scale (TMMS), originally developed by Salovey and colleagues, for use within the Greek population. The TMMS is a self-report questionnaire designed to assess meta-mood through a five-point Likert-type scale, measuring three factors: Clarity, Attention, and Repair. The sample included 957 adults (707 females), aged 18 to 80 years, representing diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and regions across Greece. Structural validity was assessed through both Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA – Promax rotation) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Scale score reliability was assessed utilizing Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for each factor, as well as for the overall number of items. The EFA initially provided some support to a potential four-factor model, however validity concerns and further confirmatory factor analyses preferentially supported the three-factor structure of the TMMS. Overall, the scale demonstrated robust scale score reliability, with satisfactory Cronbach’s alpha coefficients for the composite scale and each factor of the original three-factor model (α > .70 for all subscales, and α > .80 for two out of three subscales). In conclusion, this study affirms the TMMS as a reliable tool for assessing trait meta-mood in the Greek population. Furthermore, it adds to the discussion on the potential impact of sex and cultural differences on trait meta-mood and the factorial structure of the questionnaire.