Emotional Intelligence

Types of Intelligence

Intelligence is a complex concept. Gardner proposed a theory of multiple inteliigences in the aim to define various types of intelligences. 

He proposed 8 different subsets of intelligence

1. Linguistic
2. Logical- Mathematical
3. Spatial
4. Musical
5. Naturalist
6. Bodily-Kinesthetic
7. Interpersonal
8. Intrapersonal

A person will always posses every one of the eight intelligences but in varying amounts. Each person will have their own unique intelligence profile. 

Emotional intelligence involves the last 2 intelligences interpersonal, recognising others emotions, and intrapersonal, recognising one’s own emotions

What is EI?

Emotional Intelligence has various defnitions depending on whose research you read. The 3 key researchers in EI are Salovey and Mayer, Daniel Goleman and Reuven Bar-On. Each has their own definition as below

Salovey and Mayer - “Emotional intelligence is the ability to perceive emotions, to access and generate emotions so as to assist thought, to understand emotions and emotional knowledge, and to reflectively regulate emotions so as to promote emotional and intellectual growth.”                                                                                                                        

Goleman - “Emotional intelligence is the capacity for recognizing our own feelings and those of others, for motivating ourselves, and for managing emotions effectively in ourselves and others. An emotional competence is a learned capacity based on emotional intelligence that contributes to effective performance at work.”                                                                                                                                    

Reuben Bar-On - “Emotional Intelligence is an array of non-cognitive capabilities, competencies, and skills that influence one’s ability to succeed in coping with environmental demands and pressures. “

Emotional intelligence can be split into 5 essential elements

1. Recognising, understanding and managing the emotions of oneself and of others
2. Expressing our thoughts
3. Developing and maintaining social relationships
4. Coping with challenges
5. Using emotional information in an effective and meaningful way

Emotional intelligence Quotient or EQ is the measure of Emotional Intelligence, 

Why is EI Important?                                        

Traditionally IQ has always been thought to be very important to be successful. However not all intelligent people are successful. Emotional intelligence has been shown to be a major factor that contributes to success in the workplace but also in social relationships and life in general.

A recent systematic review looking at the impact of  improving emotional intelligence showed emotional intelligence positively affects the following - 

• Psychological Health 
• Work performance
• Teamwork
• Conflict management
• Patient satisfaction
• Coaching Skills
• Employability and Reemployment 
• Workplace Incivility 
• Institutional Climate
• Job Satisfaction

Higher levels of emotional intelligence has a protective element against burn-out syndrome in healthcare professionals . Healthcare practitiners with developed Emotional intelligence are also better communicators which has been shown to improve patient outcomes . This is especially evident in healthcare paractitinoers dealing with chronic pain patients where the interventions are focused on empathy, listening and building trust

Conceptual Frameworks of EI

The 3 main contributors to the body of research of EI have been Salovey and Mayer, Goleman and Bar-On. Each has developed their own conceptual framework of EI as discussed below. 

Salovey and Mayer (2002)

Salovey and Mayer view EQ as something you are born with. They believe that people can improve their EQ but it is limited to the amount of EQ they innately have.

They identify four branches in their conceptual framework. These look at how people identify and control their own emotions and how people’s emotions impact others

Perceiving emotions – identification of emotion in oneself and others

Emotional facilitation of thought – use of emotions to guide thoughts and judgements

Understanding and analysing emotions – accurate identification of emotions and understand the complexity of inter and intrapersonal emotions

Reflective regulation of emotions – ability to analyse and manage emotions

Daniel Goleman (2005)

Golemans Emotional Intelligence Framework

Goleman’s model was developed using a compilation of others research. It has not been researched rigorously in scientific circles, but he is widely published, and his work is very easily understood by lay people.

Goleman developed a model of 18 competencies within 4 clusters of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness and relationship management

Bar-On (5)

Reuban Bar-On developed his framework which was updated in 2011. His is by far the most widely researched and utilized framework within Emotional Intelligence circles. 

Bar-On Model of Emotional-Social Intelligence

His framework contains 5 composites with 3 subscales within each composite. 

1. Self-perception 
   1. Self-regard – Respect for oneself, confidence 
   2. Self-actualization - Pursuit of meaning, Self-improvement
   3. Emotional Self-awareness - Understanding one’s own emotions
2. Self-expression 
   1. Emotional Expression - constructive expression of emotions
   2. Assertiveness- communicating feelings and beliefs, non-offensive
   3. Independence - self-directed, free from emotional dependency
3. Interpersonal  
   1. Interpersonal Relationships - mutually satisfying relationships
   2. Empathy – Understanding and Appreciating how others feel
   3. Social responsibility - Social consciousness, helpfulness
4. Decision making  
   1. Problem Solving - finding solutions when emotions are involved
   2. Reality Testing - Objective, see things as they really are
   3. Impulse Control - Resist or delay impulse to act
5. Stress management  
   1. Flexibility - adapting emotions, thoughts, and behaviors
   2. Stress Tolerance - coping with stressful situations 
   3. Optimism - positive attitude and outlook on life 

It is important to note that the ideal is to be balanced within each subscale and not necessarily high in every one. Being very high or very low in a specific subscale can lead to dysfunctional behaviour. 

An Example using the Self Perception Composite

Subscale	Very High	Very Low
Self Regard	Overly confident Thinks they rarely make mistakes	Insecure Uncertain Doubtful of themselves
Self Actualisation	May project their ambition on others or be judgmenetal of others lack of ambition	Unmotivated or unconcerned with personal growth
Emotional Self- Awareness	Hyperfocused on emotional examination	Difficulty expressing and understanding emotions

Assessment of  EI

The 2 most widely used tools to measure EQ are the MSCEIT and the EQ-I 2.0.  

“The MSCEIT is like an IQ test, predicting how well someone can learn. The EQ-i is like the SAT, measuring what someone has learned” Jack Meyer, 2012

MSCEIT- The Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test

Based on the Mayer and Saloveys work this test is quite similar to an IQ test with specific measures and right and wrong answers. There are some limitations with this model in how the developers obtained the “right” answers using standard populations and whether in research about emotions and their application there can be right and wrong answers. It is designed to measure ones innate or inborn EQ and as such can indicate someone’s ability to learn EQ skills.

EQ-i-2.0 - Emotional Quotient Inventory

Based on Bar-On’s Model of Emotional-Social Intelligence, the EQi 2.0, is probably the most used EQ measure. The EQ-i 2.0 is a self-report measure and the EQ 360 2.0 is a full assessment that looks at how others perceive oneself. 

Once completing the EQ-I 2.0 a report is generated that indicates areas of strengths and weaknesses within each of the 15 skills within the 5 composites that can then be addressed. 

Developing or Improving Emotional Intelligence                       

Emotional intelligence comes more naturally to some. Unlike IQ, which remains fairly constant throughout life, Emotional Intelligence develops with age. This shows us that it is something that can be learnt. There are many different types of interventions aimed at developing emotional intelligence. The following key components are essential to provide successful interventions aimed at improving EI

1. They need to be specifically EI based
2. They need to be constructed using a specific, clear and well documented conceptual framework (such as the Bar-On Emotional-Social Intelligence).
3. Use exercises that are based on scientific evidence

An example of a programme to develop emotional intelligence can be found in the following article

The Effects of an Emotional Intelligence Skills Training Program on Anxiety, Burnout and Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients 

Additional Resources

The following videos show a 3 part interview with Reuvan Bar-On discussing Emotional Intelligence