Define emotional intelligence in terms of what it is and what it is not.

  Definition of Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence (EI) is a set of emotional and social skills that influence the way we perceive and express ourselves, develop and maintain social relationships, cope with challenges, and use emotional information in an effective and meaningful way. Several definitions of emotional intelligence have been proposed over the years.

One of the most popular definitions is “Emotional intelligence is the capacity for recognising our own feelings and those of others, for motivating ourselves, and for managing emotions well in ourselves and in our relationships” (Goleman, 1998). This definition emphasises that knowledge about emotions can be used to make sense of our internal and social worlds and arrive at decisions accordingly. Others like Reuven Bar-On (2002) have emphasised the adaptive function by EI by defining it as “an array of non-cognitive abilities, competencies and skills that influence one’s ability to succeed in coping with environmental demands and pressures”.

Salovey & Mayer (1990) initially defined emotional intelligence as a sub-set of social intelligence - “ the ability to monitor one’s own and others’ feelings and emotions, to discriminate among them and to use this information to guide one’s thinking and actions”. Later, this definition was revised to make it more comprehensive. Mayer, Salovey & Caruso (2004) define it as “the capacity to reason about emotions, and of emotions to enhance thinking. It includes the abilities to accurately perceive emotions, to access and generate emotions so as to assist thought, to understand emotions and emotional knowledge, and to reflectively regulate emotions so as to promote emotional and intellectual growth.” This perspective emphasises the synthesis of emotions and intelligence and is shared by other theoretical frameworks as well (Ciarocchi, Chan & Caputi, 2000; Roberts, Zeidner & Matthews, 2001).

Just as intelligence is quantified and measured through Intelligence Quotient (IQ) emotional intelligence is indicated by Emotional Quotient or EQ. Bradberry & Greaves (2009) consider EI as the ‘missing piece’ in conceptualising a complete, whole person; personality and intelligence comprising the other two key components. Over decades of research, it has been established that EI is a distinct ability that does not share attributes with either personality or intelligence. Having certain personality traits does not automatically predispose one to have high or low emotional intelligence. For example, while extroverts may feel energised by interacting with people and introverts share a preference for solitude, it does not automatically imply that extroverts are more emotionally intelligent than introverts. Similarly, having an ability to process information cognitively or intelligence, does not indicate one’s level of EI. In addition, while personality and intelligence are relatively stable and resistant to change after the age of 18-20 years, EI comprises a dynamic component that has the potential to evolve and grow over time, as well as with targeted interventions.

Glossop and Mitchell (2005) highlighted this as: “Emotional intelligence is learned. Unlike IQ, which is essentially fixed within narrow parameters at birth, EQ can be developed and enhanced. In other words, temperament is not destiny. Empathy and the capacity to understand the emotions of others can be nurtured.” In fact, several studies have shown that older participants tend to score higher on EI measures and may indicate that EQ increases with age and maturation (Bar-On, 2000).

Thus, in order to consider ‘the whole person’, emotional intelligence must be considered alongside personality and intelligence.

What Emotional Intelligence ‘is’ and is ‘not’

To have an accurate understanding of the concept of emotional intelligence, it is important to draw clear distinctions between what it covers and refers to and which aspects of it are untrue or inaccurate.

What emotional intelligence ‘is’:

· Being aware of oneself

· Being able to manage emotions

· Being socially aware

· Ability to manage interpersonal relationships by using emotions

· A field of scientific study

What emotional intelligence is ‘not’:

· Ignoring or suppressing emotions

· Allowing emotions to dominate thinking and decision making

· A permanent trait

· An indicator of cognitive and academic intelligence

· A person’s aptitude or interest

· Avoidance of conflict

· Best predictor of success in life

Thus, emotional intelligence refers to the non-cognitive abilities of a person that includes the ability to be aware of the emotions of oneself and others and also to be able to manage these emotions. In common words, it can be said to denote ‘street smartness’ or the ‘common sense’ (Stein & Book, 2006). It is the practical knowledge that one needs to have to be effective in any field even if the knowledge acquired from the academic arena is average. As Aristotle has put it, “ Anyone can become angry – that is easy, but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose, and in the right way – that is not within everybody’s power and is not easy. Hence, getting aware of the emotions, and knowing proper ways to express emotions are crucial for success in life.

For PDF copy of Solved Assignment

Any University Assignment Solution

WhatsApp - 8409930081 (Paid)