EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE
ESSENTIAL FACTS:
- Emotional intelligence reflects that individuals differ in their ability to recognize and regulate their emotions and those of others.
- It is a powerful skill set involving abilities like emotional perception, thought facilitation, and self-regulation.
- Several studies explain the connection between emotional intelligence and improved mental health.
- A 2023 Research suggests psychological trauma negatively impacts the brain areas and functionality necessary for Emotional intelligence.
- Alexithymia, strongly associated with PTSD, is characterized by difficulty recognizing and expressing emotions.
- People with higher Emotional intelligence often achieve a successful work-life balance and are less likely to experience burnout.
- Emotional literacy is vital to pursue successful leadership and decision-making.
WHAT IS EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE?
Emotional intelligence (EI) is not just a concept, but a set of empowering abilities that enable individuals to recognize, understand, express, and manage their emotions.
Emotional intelligence is a collection of practical skills that help navigate social situations, guiding thoughts and actions to meet challenges and pressures effectively. Recognizing and engaging with your emotions and those of others is not just a theoretical exercise but an essential tool for nurturing strong relationships and boosting overall well-being.
WHY DO I NEED EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE IN EVERYDAY LIFE?
A 2018 Study indicates that the ability to regulate one's emotions is critical to mental health and social functioning, as deficits in emotion regulation are associated with aggressive behavior, anxiety, and depression.
The psychopathologies are commonly attributed to dysfunctional emotion regulation, including an overreliance on maladaptive strategies (e.g., avoidance of anxiety-provoking situations or suppression of emotional facial expressions in such situations) and diminished use of healthy coping strategies (e.g., acceptance of negative feelings or reappraisal of such feelings to give them a less aversive interpretation).
EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE:
Emotional intelligence is a personal trait and a key factor in academic success. It integrates features such as adaptability, control of temperaments, and reduction of stress under pressure, which improve an individual's performance. Many studies have shown a strong correlation between emotional intelligence and academic achievement at different education levels, signifying its importance in predicting students who need guided intervention. Given this established link, training workshops and awareness sessions on emotional intelligence should be a part of every student's learning journey, motivating them to focus on this crucial aspect of their education.
EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE IN MENTAL ILLNESS:
Understanding the impact of emotional intelligence on mental health is crucial. A high level of emotional intelligence can serve as a protective factor against the onset of mental disorders, highlighting its significance in maintaining mental well-being.
Depressive disorders have an impact on a human being's ability to regulate emotions as there are difficulties with adequate recognition of one's emotional state as well as the emotional states of other people. Research shows a link between emotional intelligence and depression, suicidal thoughts, and other mental health issues, as well as the impact of emotional competence on the treatment process and coping strategies for stress. Knowledge regarding the profound link between mental health and emotional intelligence gives hope and optimism for a better quality of life.
A WORD FROM MENTAL NURTURING:
Emotional intelligence is a skill-based ability. Therefore, its deficiencies are seen as skill deficiencies, implying that the improvement comes through standard skill development practices, including gaining knowledge and practicing skills. Studies consistently suggest that high emotional intelligence is associated with improved mental health, conflict resolution, superior relationship quality, and enhanced academic and job performance.
A long-standing goal in psychology has been to elucidate the mechanisms that enable individuals to interpret and respond to their environment. Traditionally, this pursuit has focused on critical cognitive abilities in a person – verbal comprehension, problem-solving, etc.- and is called general intelligence. However, the degree to which general intelligence alone can predict important personal and social outcomes has been questioned, with research suggesting that it is an insufficient predictor of upward social mobility, career success, and creative achievement.
Emotional intelligence, by contrast, is far more diverse and reflects an individual's ability to manage life more comprehensively. Accordingly, applied research has shifted its focus to studying emotional skills, which are purported to predict success in the real world above and beyond general intelligence.
RESOURCES:
1. Żuchowicz P, Skiba A, Gałecki P, Talarowska M. Inteligencja emocjonalna w zaburzeniach depresyjnych nawracających [The emotional intelligence in major depressive disorders]. Pol Merkur Lekarski. 2018 Sep 21;45(267):131-133. Polish. PMID: 30240384.
2. Lane T. Emotional Intelligence. Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2019 Jan;101(1):1. doi: 10.1308/rcsann.2018.0209. PMID: 30582349; PMCID: PMC6303826.
3. Smith R, Killgore WDS, Alkozei A, Lane RD. A neuro-cognitive process model of emotional intelligence. Biol Psychol. 2018 Nov;139:131-151. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2018.10.012. Epub 2018 Oct 28. PMID: 30392827
4. Rehman R, Tariq S, Tariq S. Emotional intelligence and academic performance of students. J Pak Med Assoc. 2021 Dec;71(12):2777-2781. doi: 10.47391/JPMA.1779. PMID: 35150537.
5. Hogeveen J, Salvi C, Grafman J. 'Emotional Intelligence': Lessons from Lesions. Trends Neurosci. 2016 Oct;39(10):694-705. doi: 10.1016/j.tins.2016.08.007. Epub 2016 Sep 17. PMID: 27647325; PMCID: PMC5807001.
Written by:
Dr.Saba Munir, MBBS,
On January 22, 2025
