New Trends in Intelligence> Emotional Intelligence

Emotional Intelligence is the capacity to perceive, use, understand, and manage one’s own emotions and the emotions of others.

• Perceiving Emotions: Identifying emotions through facial expressions, tone, and body language.
• Using Emotions: Harnessing moods to facilitate reasoning and problem-solving.
• Understanding Emotions: Comprehending how emotions evolve and connect.
• Managing Emotions: Regulating emotional responses in oneself and guiding others.

(1) Megha is always afraid of getting less marks in examinations. Therefore, she always becomes restless and avoids going to college.

Answer: Megha represents a person with low emotional intelligence (fearful, restless, anxious).

(2) Shailesh, an ordinary worker in a textile mill, earns a 10,000 salary per month. Though having some financial problems, he never feels anxious; he understands the problems of others, helps needy people, and lives his life happily.

Answer: Shailesh represents a person with high emotional intelligence (calm, empathetic, helpful, and happy).

While IQ assesses academic intelligence, EI measures social and emotional skills. Studies indicate:

• IQ contributes ~20% to life success, whereas EI accounts for ~80%.
• Individuals with high EI exhibit greater resilience, well-being, and leadership ability.

Example: Shailesh, despite a modest income, remains calm under stress, supports coworkers, and maintains positive relationships.

Study the differences between the characteristics of people having high emotional intelligence and low emotional intelligence, and think about what you can do to develop your emotional intelligence.

Answer for Activity:

To develop my emotional intelligence, I can do the following:

1. Stay Calm and Patient – Practice self-control in stressful situations instead of reacting with anger or restlessness.
2. Think Positively – Focus on optimism, avoid negative thoughts, and build confidence.
3. Be Independent and Responsible – Take responsibility for my actions rather than depending too much on others.
4. Show Empathy – Try to understand others’ feelings and help them whenever possible.
5. Practice Satisfaction and Gratitude – Appreciate what I have, which will make me feel calm, happy, and enthusiastic.

Ability Model (Salovey & Mayer)

• Perceive → Reason → Understand → Manage
  This four-step process starts with basic emotion detection and progresses to reflective regulation.

Trait Model

• EI is a set of personality traits measured via self-report, reflecting typical emotional self-perceptions.

• Mental Health: Lower anxiety, improved stress management.
• Workplace Performance: Enhanced teamwork, leadership, and decision-making.
• Relationships: Stronger empathy and social bonds.
• Resilience: Effective adaptation to life challenges.

• Emotional Intelligence is the ability to understand, use, and manage your own emotions and others' emotions.
• High EI traits include being calm, patient, independent, optimistic, and emotionally stable.
• The Ability Model follows four steps: Perceive, Use, Understand, and Manage emotions.
• EI matters more than IQ for success in relationships, work, and mental well-being.
• Benefits of high EI include better mental health, teamwork, empathy, and resilience.