Emotional intelligence, also called Emotional Quotient or EQ, can be defined as the ability to understand and use emotions to reduce stress, communicate effectively, understand others, and defuse conflict. Emotional intelligence relates to all aspects of our lives including school, work, physical health, relationships, and it helps us to feel connected socially.

Emotional Intelligence (EQ) vs. intelligence Quotient (IQ)

As stated above, Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand our emotions and the emotions of others, in order to guide thinking and behaviour. Emotional intelligence is the type of intelligence that allows us to empathize with others, have deep conversations, and deal with conflict. Individuals with higher emotional intelligence often find it easier to maintain relationships, manage stress, and thus are less likely to suffer from depression.

On the other hand, IQ represents cognitive intelligence. This is the type of intelligence that we are typically most familiar with as it is reinforced through schooling, testing, or GPA. People with higher IQs are more likely to do well academically.

Four Attributes of Emotional Intelligence

Self-Management

This involves being able to control impulses, manage emotions in healthy ways, and adapt to changes. Emotionally intelligent individuals are highly conscious of their feelings, including their negative emotions like frustration or sadness. Individuals with high EQ also have the ability to manage their emotions, take responsibility for their emotions, and be open to new ideas.

Self-Awareness

Self-Awareness can be defined as the ability to understand and recognize your own emotions. This also involves recognizing how your emotions affect your thoughts and behaviours. Emotionally intelligent individuals are able to distinguish between emotions, label them appropriately, and use emotional information to guide thinking and behaviour. Self-awareness also includes not only knowing your strengths and self-worth, but also your limitations.

Social Awareness

This involves having empathy and being able to connect with others. Empathy is the ability to understand how others are feeling and recognize how we would feel if we were in their position. This means that instead of judging or labeling others, we work hard to understand their perspective. However, empathy doesn’t necessarily involve agreeing with someone’s point of view but striving to understand it. This in turn allows us to build deeper relationships.

Relationship Management

This involves the ability to develop and maintain good relationships, communicate clearly, and work in a team. Emotional intelligence helps us in this way by realizing the importance of apologies and realizing that apologizing does not not mean that you’re wrong, but instead shows that you value your relationships above your ego. Additionally, relationship management includes managing conflict and disagreements, as well as being able to guide groups of people.

Why is it important to develop emotional intelligence?

As humans, we are highly emotional and social creatures. Therefore, learning ways in which to better connect with others will help us be successful in many domains of our lives such as work, relationships, school, and with the relationship we have with ourselves. Furthermore, being able to understand our emotions and ourselves is fundamental to our growth, as well as our emotional and physical well-being.

Written By: Chantal Legere, M. Psy. Candidate, B.A. (Hons)

Edited/Reviewed by: Dr. Stacy Lekkos, C. Psych

References

Ackerman, C. (2020, May 29). What is Emotional Intelligence? 18 Ways To Improve It [2019 Upd.]. Retrieved from https://positivepsychology.com/emotional-intelligence-eq/

Bariso, J. (2018, February 28). 13 Signs of High Emotional Intelligence. Retrieved from https://www.inc.com/justin-bariso/13-things-emotionally-intelligent-people-do.html

Cherry, K. (2020, June 03). How Emotionally Intelligent Are You? Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-emotional-intelligence-2795423

Emotional Intelligence. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/basics/emotional-intelligence

Segal, J., Smith, M., Robinson, L., & Shubin, J. (2019). Improving Emotional Intelligence (EQ). Retrieved from https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/emotional-intelligence-eq.htm#:~:text=What is emotional intelligence or,overcome challenges and defuse conflict.