Emotional Intelligence

Emotional Intelligence (EI) is often measured as an Emotional Quotient. Describing it as, “ability to monitor, access, express and regulate one’s own emotions and understand other’s emotions. The ability to use this information to guide one’s thinking and actions.” The term “Emotional Intelligence” appears to have originated with Wayne Payne (1986), but it was popularized by Daniel Goleman who has published several books and articles about emotional intelligence.

 

Research on the concept of emotional intelligence is by Peter Salovey and John Mayer in the late 1980s. The introduction of the concept of emotional intelligence by Mayer and Salovey.

 

Emotional Quotient (EQ) is to express emotional intelligence.

 

Some of the key characteristics and abilities of emotional intelligence:   

• Self-awareness: Knowing one’s own emotions

• Mood Management: Handling feelings, so that they are relevant to the current situation and reacting appropriately

• Self-Motivation: “Gathering up” of one’s feelings and directing oneself towards a goal.

• Empathy: recognizing feelings in others and feeling with them, taking another person’s perspective

• Managing relationships: Handling interpersonal interaction, conflict resolution, and negotiations

Nowadays there are many programs aiming to improve students’ emotional intelligence which will benefit them in academics as well as future life.