Emotional Intelligence: Implications for Personal, Social, Academic, and Workplace Success

The following is a commentary on the above-mentioned article that seeks to explain and analyze the apparent relationship between human emotions and human intelligence. For the better majority of human existence, human intelligence has always been measured, by default, using solely pure intelligence, i.e. the ability to observe, reasonand comprehend in an abstract manner. This analysis of the aforementioned article tries to bring to light advancement in research in human psychology that has led to emotions being included in the equation for measuring intelligence. It also further elaborates the usefulness of the emotions question in academics and workplace dynamics.

Emotional intelligence can be described as the capability to supervise personal and other peoples thoughts and emotions, to differentiate them and to employ the knowledge to channel ones thoughts and dealings (Mayer, 1990). To establish emotions as a viable area of study, research had to prove linkages between cognitive and emotional processes, coupled with a change of viewing intelligence as a wide array of mental capabilities. Emotional intelligence became a familiar issue in both the academic and mainstream world after a connection was discovered between emotional competencies and pro-social behavior in the mid ninetys.

To properly gauge emotional intelligence, two models are used: one, the ability model; which views EI (emotional intelligence) as a cerebral aptitude with certain routine factor with a certain degree of rightness. Two, mixed models; which use both personality traits and certain competencies. EI can also be viewed as being comprised of four mental abilities. One, being able to perceive, identify and differentiate not only our own but the emotions of others. Two, the use of emotions to enable thinking and communication. Three, being able to understand these emotions; their similarities and differences. Four, being able to control emotions in order to positively apply an emotional response for oneself or from others.

Emotional intelligence can be measured using various performance tests such as DANVA and MSCEIT. These tests gauge individuals based on their performance in the four mental parameters. Due to the inherent variance in human capabilities, emotional intelligence is presumed to associate reasonably amid other intelligence, (Mayer & Salovey,1997). Due to its wide range of possible mental connections, EI can be used as a gauge for ascertaining the mental well-being of individuals. Most people who require psychotherapy are often plagued by stress, depression, and anxiety. Those with the ability to properly channel and understand their emotions use this EI skill to effectively manage their emotions. People suffering from such disorders like depression and schizophrenia usually have a low emotional quotient.

In terms of academic performance, research from the EI performance tests indicates that students with higher emotional intelligence tend to do well in class, concentrate more, abstain from substance abuse and generally have very few school problems. In social dynamics, Emotional intelligence is thought to enable warm interactions by aiding people to identify with others emotional states, accept others points of views, enhance communication,and regulate behavior. In romantic relationships, couples with high individual EI are reported as happier, more content and committed in their relationships. Seemingly emotional intelligence can help persons to steer their social life more efficiently and make improved options about being involved in self-destructive behavior.

In terms of office dynamics, EI is thought to influence how coworkers successfully interact with each other, in terms of general office interactions, duty allocation, and respect for the hierarchy and conflict management within the office. Employees with higher EI receive better reviews from their superiors or supervisors. Managers too with higher EI also operate well and are generally highly regarded for their work ethic by those they oversee and the organization as a whole.

In conclusion, human emotions are adaptive. They are of use, in terms of their contribution to human intelligence, only if they are paid finer attention to. Studies also show that emotional intelligence and the skills and/or knowledge that can lead to it can be taught. Hence, there is an existing opportunity to further human intelligence by laying concern to emotions.

Reference.

Brackett M. et al, (2011).Emotional Intelligence: Implications for Personal, Social, Academic, and Workplace Success. (Social and Personality Psychology Compass 5/1 (2011): 88103)Retrieved from:https://www.ei.yale.edu/wpcontent/uploads/2013/09/pub184_Brackett_Rivers_Salovey_2011_Compass-1.