Emotional Intelligence: Definition, Examples, and ExplanationBy Helena Rose Karnilowicz, Ph.D.
What is emotional intelligence? Discover the definition of emotional intelligence, the benefits of emotional intelligence, and how to be more emotionally intelligent.
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What is Emotional Intelligence? (Emotional Intelligence Definition)Emotional intelligence (also referred to as EQ or emotional quotient) is a type of intelligence that is defined as an ability to monitor and regulate one’s own and others’ emotions and to use emotions to facilitate one’s thoughts and actions (Brackett, Rivers, & Salovey, 2011).
You may think, isn’t emotion ‘the enemy of reason’? Not for people who are emotionally intelligent! Emotionally intelligent people use emotions as information and are able to listen to their gut to guide them to make good decisions. Video: What is Emotional Intelligence?4 Dimensions of Emotional Intelligence
There are 4 dimensions of emotional intelligence:
1. Perception of Emotion Emotionally intelligent people are able to identify and differentiate between different emotions and feelings. This dimension of emotional intelligence includes being able to pinpoint how one is feeling from bodily cues (like sweaty palms, or a racing heart might mean you are nervous) and thoughts (like thinking in a negative way might mean you are feeling down). People who are high on this dimension of emotional intelligence are also good at detecting emotions in others. For example, they can tell when someone is being false or behaving disingenuously. 2. Use of Emotion to Facilitate Thinking
This dimension of emotional intelligence involves using emotions to foster reasoning, problem-solving, and interpersonal communication. In other words, highly emotionally intelligent people use emotions to help direct their attention and think critically to achieve their goals. For example, feeling angry helps people negotiate, and an emotionally intelligent person may listen to angry music before negotiating a salary raise. Are You a Therapist, Coach, or Wellness Entrepreneur?
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