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Emotional Intelligence

What Is Emotional Intelligence?

Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to identify and manage one’s own emotions, as well as the
emotions of others. Though there is some disagreement among psychologists as to what constitutes true
emotional intelligence, it 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 cheering up or calming down other people.

There is currently no validated test or scale for emotional intelligence as there is for "g," the general
intelligence factor—a fact that has led some critics to claim the concept is either sketchy or entirely non-
existent. Despite this criticism, however, emotional intelligence (or “emotional quotient,” as it’s sometimes
known) has wide appeal among the general public, as well as in certain industries. In recent years, some
employers have even incorporated “emotional intelligence tests” into their application or interview
processes, on the theory that someone high in emotional intelligence would make a better leader or
coworker. But while some studies have found a link between emotional intelligence and job performance,
others have shown no correlation, and the lack of a scientifically valid scale makes it difficult to truly
measure or predict someone’s emotional intelligence on the job.

Being Smart About Feelings

An emotionally intelligent individual is both highly conscious of his or her own
emotional states, even negativity—frustration, sadness, or something more subtle—
Unlock Your Emotional
Genius and able to identify and manage them.  These people are also especially tuned in to
the emotions others experience. It’s easy to see how a sensitivity to emotional
What Emotional
Intelligence Is and Isn't signals from within and from the social environment could make one a better friend,
parent, leader, or romantic partner. Fortunately, these skills can be honed.
How My Thinking About
Emotional Intelligence
Changed

Recent Posts Why You Should Strengthen Your Emotional

Vocabulary
By Mariana Plata on January 12, 2019 in The Gen Y Psy

It's okay to feel all the feels, but even more important is
learning how to call each of those feelings. When "good" or
"bad" isn't enough.

How Smart Is Artificial Intelligence?

By Cami Rosso on January 11, 2019 in The Future Brain
Artificial intelligence has composed music, created art,
interpreted speech and text, and predicted human emotions.
How smart is it compared to the human brain?
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This Could Be the Most Important Personality

Trait. Really.
By Thomas S Bateman D.B.A. on January 10, 2019 in Getting Proactive

You are not confined by "traits." Anyone can break out with
free traits.

Using Love Dolls As a Substitute for Human

Intimacy
By Robert T Muller Ph.D. on January 10, 2019 in Talking About Trauma

The surrogacy of human-to-human relationships.

30 Characteristics of Happy Couples

By Linda and Charlie Bloom on January 08, 2019 in Stronger at the Broken
Places

When we interviewed the happiest couples we could find, we

clearly saw that they were among the group keeping
passionate romance alive.

Who's Smart?
The Emotionally Intelligent May Earn More
What Smart Really Is Money
10 Cool Psychological Truths About Human
Behavior The Benefits of Emotional Awareness

Becoming an "Orphan," by Choice

By Terri Apter Ph.D. on January 04, 2019 in Domestic Intelligence

Jan. 8 is known as Divorce Day, but it isn’t only marital

divorce that takes place as people look to improve their lives.

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The Two Types of Psychopath

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By Neel Burton M.D. on January 03, 2019 in Hide and Seek

Successful versus unsuccessful psychopaths.

Why Is Checking In So Important?

By Linda and Charlie Bloom on January 02, 2019 in Stronger at the Broken
Places

What is it that extraordinarily happy couples are doing?

5 Resolutions That Will Make You a Better

Parent This Year
By Laura Markham Ph.D. on January 02, 2019 in Peaceful Parents, Happy Kids

For today, just choose less drama and more love. You'll be
amazed at how far that takes you.

Haunted Arguments
By Jim Stone Ph.D. on December 31, 2018 in Clear, Organized and Motivated

Many monsters haunt our political arguments on social

media. And whoever fights monsters must take care not to
become a monster.

More Recent Posts

Meet Psychology Neel Burton, M.D., is a psychiatrist, philosopher, and writer who lives
Today's Bloggers and teaches in Oxford, England.
on Emotional
Intelligence

Linda Bloom, L.C.S.W., and Charlie Bloom, M.S.W., are the authors
of Secrets of Great Marriages: Real Truths from Real Couples About
Lasting Love.

Marcia Reynolds, PsyD., is the author of two leadership books, The

Discomfort Zone and Wander Woman. She is the President of
Covisioning, a leadership development firm.

Marianna Pogosyan, Ph.D., is an intercultural consultant specializing

in the psychology of cross-cultural transitions.

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See All Bloggers

Emotional Intelligence Resources

Diagnosis
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Asperger's

Connected Topics
Intelligence
Intuition
Relationships

Essential Reads

The Two Types of Psychopath

Why Is Checking In So Important?

How to Be Helpful When Someone Is Emotional

What Is Intelligence?

Can Emotions Be Controlled?

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