Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence (EI) extends the traditional understanding of intelligence by incorporating the emotional dimension, defining it as a set of skills essential for accurately appraising, expressing, and regulating emotions in oneself and in others. Salovey and Mayer were among the first to conceptualize this notion, framing emotional intelligence as critical for motivating oneself and managing interpersonal relationships effectively.
Highly emotionally intelligent individuals can perceive their own feelings and the emotions of others. They can relate emotions to thoughts and behavior, understanding how emotions influence decisions. Programs aimed at enhancing students' emotional intelligence have been shown to improve academic outcomes and foster cooperative behavior, ultimately leading to success both in educational contexts and life.
By contrasting EI with traditional IQ, we highlight that some individuals may excel academically yet struggle in personal relationships due to low emotional intelligence, indicating that a balance of both is necessary for holistic success. This section emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence across various life aspects, thus suggesting that developing emotional skills is as significant as fostering cognitive ones.