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 also a key factor in interpersonal relationships and success. The level of emotional intelligence affects a person's interpersonal communication, work performance, mental health, and other aspects. This article will introduce emotional intelligence from three aspects: the definition of emotional intelligence, the importance of emotional intelligence, and the aspects that emotional intelligence includes.

1、 What is Emotional Intelligence: Definition of Emotional Intelligence

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

Emotional intelligence is crucial for human development and success. A 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 communication, and mental health, while those with low emotional intelligence are prone to losing control of their emotions, mishandling problems, and affecting their own lives and the emotions of others.

In terms of work, people with high emotional intelligence are better able to understand and respond to the emotions of colleagues, clients, and superiors, and are more flexible in handling pressure and conflicts at work. People with low emotional intelligence are prone to conflicts and contradictions with others in their work, which can affect work efficiency and work environment.

In terms of learning, people with high emotional intelligence are better able to handle setbacks and failures in their studies, face learning tasks and exams with more confidence, and thus achieve better academic performance and development opportunities. People 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 communication, people with high emotional intelligence are able to better understand and respond to the emotions of others, establish better interpersonal relationships, and thus receive more support and help. 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 estrangement.

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

2、 What aspects does emotional intelligence include?

1. Emotional perception

Emotional perception refers to an individual's ability to recognize, understand, and express their own and others' emotions. Emotional perception is the foundation and most fundamental aspect of emotional intelligence. People with high emotional perception ability can more sensitively perceive the emotions of others and their own emotional changes, thus better understanding and coping with emotional changes.

2. Emotional expression

Emotional expression refers to an individual's ability to appropriately express their emotions, including body language, language, and facial expressions. People with high emotional expression ability can better convey their emotions and needs, and establish more effective communication and connections with others.

3. Emotional understanding

Emotional understanding refers to an individual's ability to comprehend and analyze their own and others' emotions, understand the causes and effects of emotions. People with high emotional understanding ability can better understand the emotions and needs of others, and handle interpersonal relationships and conflicts more sensitively.

4. Emotional management

As shown in "Managerial Reference: Emotional Intelligence and Social Interaction", emotional management refers to an individual's ability to control and manage their emotions, including emotional regulation, emotional coping, and emotional adaptation. People with high emotional management abilities can better control their emotions, avoid emotional outbursts and conflicts, and thus better handle various situations.

5. Self awareness

Self cognition refers to an individual's ability to have a clear understanding of their emotions, attitudes, values, and life goals. People with high self-awareness can better recognize their strengths and weaknesses, better utilize their strengths, and reduce their shortcomings.

6. Self-regulation

Self regulation refers to an individual's ability to regulate their emotions, behaviors, and ways of thinking in order to better adapt to various situations and environments. People with high self-regulation ability 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 emotions of others, and to establish good interpersonal relationships and interactions. People with high social awareness and ability can better understand the emotions and needs of others, and better adapt to different interpersonal environments.

8. Social skills

Social skills refer to an individual'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, establish good interpersonal interactions and cooperation.

9. Motivation awareness

Motivation awareness refers to an individual's ability to understand and analyze their own and others' motivations and purposes, and better comprehend people's behaviors and decisions. People with high motivational awareness and ability are better able to handle interpersonal relationships and interactions, and better predict and resolve conflicts.

10. Self motivation

Self motivation refers to an individual's ability to actively motivate and regulate their emotions and behaviors, in order to better achieve their goals and values. People with high self motivation abilities are better able to drive themselves and better cope with challenges and difficulties.