What is emotional intelligence​?What aspects does emotional intelligence include?

Emotional Intelligence (EI) refers to people's ability to recognize, understand, express and manage their own and others' emotions, and is a key factor in relationships and success. The level of emotional intelligence affects a person's interpersonal interactions, work performance, and mental health. In this article, we will introduce emotional intelligence from three aspects: the definition of emotional intelligence, the importance of emotional intelligence, and the aspects included in emotional intelligence.

What is Emotional Intelligence?Definition of Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence includes four aspects: emotional perception, emotional expression, emotional understanding and emotional management. The definition of emotional intelligence has gradually expanded as research has progressed. In addition to the four aspects proposed by Salvito and Meyer, emotional intelligence also includes a number of aspects such as self-awareness, self-regulation, interpersonal relationships and social awareness. Overall, emotional intelligence is the sum of a person's ability to recognize, understand, express, and manage their own and others' emotions.

Emotional intelligence is critical to human development and success. One study found that emotional intelligence contributes about 80% to a person's success and happiness compared to intelligence quotient (IQ). People with high Emotional Intelligence perform better in work, study, interpersonal interactions and mental health, while those with low Emotional Intelligence tend to lose control of their emotions, mishandle problems, and affect their own lives and the emotions of others.

At work, people with high emotional intelligence are better able to understand and cope with the emotions of coworkers, clients, and superiors, and are more flexible in dealing with stress and conflict at work. People with low emotional intelligence are prone to conflicts and contradictions with others at work, which can affect work efficiency and the work environment.

In terms of learning, people with high emotional intelligence are better able to cope with setbacks and failures in their studies, and face academic tasks and exams with more confidence, resulting in better academic performance and development opportunities. Individuals with low emotional intelligence are more likely to feel frustrated and helpless in their studies, which can affect their learning outcomes and confidence.

In terms of interpersonal interactions, people with high emotional intelligence are better able to understand and respond to the emotions of others and build better interpersonal relationships, leading to more support and assistance. People with low emotional intelligence are prone to conflicts and contradictions with others, lack social skills and communication abilities, and are prone to loneliness and alienation.

In terms of mental health, people with high emotional intelligence are better able to manage their emotions and stress and avoid emotional instability and psychological problems. People with low emotional intelligence are prone to low mood, anxiety and depression.

What are the aspects of Emotional Intelligence?

1. Emotional perception

Emotional perception refers to an individual's ability to recognize, understand and express his or her own and others' emotions. Emotional perception is the foundation and most basic aspect of emotional intelligence. People with strong emotional perception can be more sensitive to the emotions of others and their own emotional changes, so that they can better understand and cope with emotional changes.

2. Emotional expression

Emotional expression refers to an individual's ability to express emotions appropriately, including body language, speech and facial expressions. Individuals with strong emotional expression can better communicate their emotions and needs, and establish more effective communication and connection with others.

3. Emotional Understanding

Emotional comprehension refers to an individual's ability to understand and analyze his or her own and others' emotions, and to understand the cause and effect relationships of emotions. Individuals with strong emotional understanding are able to better understand the emotions and needs of others, and handle interpersonal relationships and conflicts more sensitively.

4. Emotional Management

As shown in Management Reference: Emotional Intelligence and Social Interaction, emotion management refers to an individual's ability to control and manage emotions, including emotion regulation, emotion coping and emotion adaptation. Individuals with strong emotional management skills can better control their emotions and avoid emotional outbursts and conflicts, thus better handling various situations.

5. Self-awareness

Self-awareness refers to a person's ability to have a clear understanding of his or her emotions, attitudes, values and life goals. People with strong self-awareness can better recognize their strengths and weaknesses, better utilize their strengths, and reduce their weaknesses.

6. Self-regulation

Self-regulation refers to an individual's ability to regulate his or her emotions, behavior, and way of thinking in order to better adapt to various situations and environments. Individuals with strong self-regulation can better control their behavior and thinking patterns, avoid excessive emotionality and impulsivity, and be more stable and self-disciplined.

7. Social Awareness

Social awareness refers to an individual's ability to understand and perceive the needs and feelings of others, as well as the ability to establish good interpersonal relationships and interactions. Individuals with a high degree of social awareness and competence are better able to understand the emotions and needs of others and adapt better to different interpersonal situations.

8. Social Skills

Social skills refer to a person's ability to effectively utilize various social skills and strategies to better communicate and interact with others. People with high social skills are better able to handle interpersonal relationships and conflicts, and establish good interpersonal interactions and cooperation.

9. Motivational Awareness

Motivational awareness refers to an individual's ability to understand and analyze his or her own and others' motives and purposes, as well as to better understand people's behaviors and decision-making. Individuals with high motivational awareness and competence are better able to manage interpersonal relationships and interactions, and better able to anticipate and resolve conflicts.

10. Self-motivation

Self-motivation refers to an individual's ability to positively motivate and regulate his or her emotions and behaviors in order to better achieve his or her goals and values. People who are self-motivated are better able to drive themselves and cope better with challenges and difficulties.