Emotional Intelligence

Overview

Emotional intelligence (EI), also known as emotional quotient (EQ), is a concept in psychology that refers to an individual's ability to recognize, understand, manage, and use emotions effectively in their daily life. It involves the capacity to be aware of, control, and express one's emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically. Emotional intelligence is generally said to include at least three skills: emotional awareness, or the ability to identify and name one's own emotions; the ability to harness those emotions and apply them to tasks like thinking and problem solving; and the ability to manage emotions, which includes both regulating one's own emotions when necessary and helping others to do the same.

A person sitting in a calm environment, reflecting on their emotions.

History of Emotional Intelligence

The term "emotional intelligence" appears to have originated with Wayne Payne's doctoral thesis, "A Study of Emotion: Developing Emotional Intelligence" in 1985, but it was later popularized by psychologists Peter Salovey and John Mayer in a seminal article in 1990. However, it was the publication of Daniel Goleman's book "Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ" in 1995 that brought the concept to a wider audience.

Theoretical Models

There are several models of emotional intelligence, but the two most widely recognized are the ability model and the mixed model.

Ability Model

The ability model, developed by Mayer and Salovey, views emotional intelligence as a set of skills that can be measured and learned. It includes four types of abilities: perceiving emotions, using emotions to facilitate thought, understanding emotions, and managing emotions.

Mixed Model

The mixed model, proposed by Goleman, combines emotional intelligence abilities with personality traits and other non-cognitive capabilities. It includes five main domains: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills.

Measurement of Emotional Intelligence

There are several tools available for measuring emotional intelligence, including self-report questionnaires and performance-based measures. Some of the most commonly used tools include the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT), the Emotional Competence Inventory (ECI), and the Bar-On Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i).

Emotional Intelligence in Everyday Life

Emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in many aspects of daily life, including interpersonal relationships, work performance, mental health, and physical health. It can help individuals navigate social complexities, lead and inspire others, and maintain a positive outlook in difficult situations.

Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace

In the workplace, emotional intelligence is increasingly recognized as a critical skill. It can contribute to effective leadership, team performance, customer satisfaction, and overall organizational success. Many companies now incorporate emotional intelligence training and assessment in their human resource practices.

Criticisms and Controversies

Despite its popularity, emotional intelligence has been the subject of various criticisms and controversies. Some critics argue that it lacks a clear definition, that it overlaps too much with existing personality traits, or that it is too difficult to measure accurately. Others question its predictive validity and its role in success and well-being.