Abstract: This article presents the cognitive-experiential self theory (Epstein, 2000; 2003) and argues about the importance of this model in studying individuals’ abilities to decode nonverbal elements. Using REI 40 (Pacini & Epstein, 1999), the main instrument suggested by the model, to assess subjects’ differ- ences in rational and experiential processing modes, a validity and reliability analysis of this scale for a Ro- manian student sample is presented. Results confirm the presence of the two subscales but, contrary to the initial model, the two dimensions were rather interdependent measuring the general tendency of subjects to use their cognitive resources (both rational and intuitive) in order to accomplish a particular task. In addi- tion, we obtain a new scale, REI24, with high overall internal consistency (α = .91) and reliable along the two dimensions, for the considered sample. We discuss the predictive value of the new instrument in non- verbal decoding tasks, underlining the importance of including external motivators in experimental designs based on CEST theory. This research is supported by POSDRU/89/1.5/S/62259 program. Keywords: Cognitive experiential theory, Rational Experiential Inventory, nonverbal sensitivity Although almost unknown in the Romanian social-psychological literature, cognitive-ex- periential model of information processing, formulated by Epstein (2000; 2003) is a person- ality theory that has emerged during the past few years and enjoyed large interest at the international level, especially for the cognitivist researchers concerned with intellectual styles in general. CEST suggests an integrate view on personality and information processing start- ing with three basic assumptions (Epstein, 1990; 1994): 1. Individuals use two parallel systems to interpret information: one preconscious, experiential and another one rational and conscious. There are reciprocal exchanges between those two systems according to the task and situation involved. 2. The experiential system is guided by emotions while the rational one is guided by cognition-anal- ysis and rationality. 3. There are four basic needs with comparable importance for information processing using both experiential and rational modes: to maximize pleasure and reduce pain (Freudian way of think- ing); to be self-consistent; to have high self-esteem and to be connected to others. Contrary to similar socio-cognitive approaches – schemata model (Fiske & Taylor, 1975, 1984), implicit theories model (Tversky & Kahneman, 1973), first impression model (Asch, 1946; Jones & Davies, 1965; Kelley, 1967) – that have described individuals as ‘cognitive miseries’, using mental shortcuts to process complex information from the social environment – CEST is closer to social-biological way of thinking stating that emotions guide a structural and not implicit way of information processing which has an adaptation role for the involved * College of Communication and Public Relations, National School of Political Studies and Public Ad- ministration., Postdoctoral researcher University of Bucharest, loredana.ivan@comunicare.ro. Loredana IVAN* Cognitive style and nonverbal sensitivity. Cognitive-experiential self theory validation