3-25-99
Emotional Intelligence and Mental
Health
Two
recent publications by Bantam Books: Goleman’s 1995 (Emotional Intelligence)
and his 1998 (Working With Emotional Intelligence) books have challenged
the traditional perspective that IQ is not only a good predictor of
scholastic achievement, but is as good a predictor of broad success,
wealth and happiness in life.
Coleman’s
publications and a large number of recent studies show that IQ is a
weak predictor of employment success. Furthermore, many of the studies
seem to suggest that other factors such as ability to handle frustrations,
and manage one’s own emotions and social skills, are a lot more effective
as predictors of success in life. The spotlight appears to be shifting
from the illusive concept of IQ to the emerging paradigm of Emotional
Intelligence.
In
it’s simple form, Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is defined as "the
capacity for recognizing our own feelings and those of others, for motivating
ourselves, and for managing emotions well in ourselves and in our relationships"
(Goleman, 1998). While EQ as a field of study is still in its infancy,
some consensus is developing about the major components of Emotional
Intelligence. Mayer and Salovey (1997) for instance have put forward
a comprehensive model of Emotional Intelligence with four major components
and 16 sub components. Goleman, 1995 presents a more parsimonious model
that consists of the following five components:
Component # 1 Emotional Self -awareness
This measure
of Emotional Intelligence implores the value of taking time for
self-observation and encourages a conscious sense of mindfulness.
"This process requires the abilities to recognize appropriate
body cues and emotions, to label them accurately, and to stay open
to unpleasant as well as pleasant emotions. At a more advanced level,
this process includes the capability to experience and recognize
the occurrence of multiple and potentially opposing emotions.
component # 2 Managing One’s Own Emotions
Proponents
of EQ agree with most mental health specialists that humans may
have little control over the occurrence and intensity of emotion
they may experience in life, but go on to assert that there is tremendous
individual variability in the degree to which:
a. The duration of unpleasant emotions
can be consciously limited, and
b. The behaviors, if any, which result
from the emotional experience can be influenced.
The premise
here is that when emotions are out of control, reasoning can be
impaired. Accordingly, improper emotional management may increase
the likelihood that chronic emotional problems will result ( e.g.
clinical depression, chronic anxiety and chronic hostility.)
Component # 3 Using emotions to maximize intellectual processing
and decision-making.
It is asserted
here that emotional experiences, depending on how they are developed
and used, can impair or improve a person’s overall intellectual
process. Mayer and Salovey, 1997 suggest that "as the person
matures, emotions begin to shape and improve thinking by directing
a person’s attention to important changes. For example, a child
worries about his/her homework while watching TV. A teacher becomes
concerned about a lesson that needs to be completed for the next
day. The teacher, with the better developed thinking , moves on
to complete the task before his concern overtakes his enjoyment."
p. 12
Component # 4 Developing Empathy
Empathy is
defined as " an emotional response resulting from the recognition
of another’s emotional state or condition, which is very similar
or identical to what the other individual is perceived to experience"
In this context,
empathy is a complex skill which requires the ability to accurately
recognize emotions in others as well as an ability to consequently
experience those same emotions. Recent studies link the ability
to recognize emotions in others to greater emotional stability and
stronger interpersonal sensitivity. These studies affirm existing
research that suggests that positive familiarity and similarity
enhance over likability of others.
Component # 5 Managing Emotions in Others
To excel in
the art of social relationships, one should be able to guide an
interaction, to inspire others, to make others comfortable in social
situations and to influence and persuade others. Being aware of
one’s own emotions and being able to manifest empathy are essential
determinants for one’s ability to manage emotions in social relationships.
Strategies for promoting Emotional Intelligence:
1. Take time for conscious mindfulness.
In the hustle and bustle of life, it is necessary
to take time to look inside our behavior and inside our emotions to
gain an awareness of your emotions.
2. Recognize and name emotions.
Emotions are modifiable by culture, but there
are some emotions that are widely recognized across cultures: Joy,
surprise, sadness, anger, disgust, and fear.
3. Understand the causes of feelings
Managing our emotions successfully involves
the identification of the proper cause...Biological, or environmental.
4. Differentiate between emotions and the subsequent need to take
action ( i.e. managing the emotions.
Inhibit action in response to anger and hostility,
and induce action in response to sadness and depression.
5. Prevent and control depression through "learned optimism"
The pervasive sense of powerlessness and
the accompanying sense of learned helplessness often reduce the person’s
capacity to behave rationally. A person in this condition needs to
infuse a heavy dose of learned optimism in his/her life to snap out
of the state of depression.
6. Master the use of cognitive techniques and distraction techniques
for use in anger management.
Practice the art of "cognitive reframing"
...that is revising the stories that you tell yourself. Seek other
possible explanations for what you may be experiencing before you
make a final interpretation of the situation. Also avoid the use of
over-generalizations and the all-or-none approaches to interpreting
causation.
7. Listen to the "lessons" of feelings.
Sometimes extreme emotions may serve as a
wake up call in response to mind and body conditions. A state of depression
sometimes makes sense as a resultant of overwork, excessive stress,
lack of sleep, overeating, excessive introspection, etc. Moderating
our lifestyle could significantly impact our emotional experiences.
8. Use "somatic markers" A.K.A. "gut feelings"
in decision making.
Because emotions are in a way a short hand
manifestation of former experiences, our gut feelings may be the essence
of true wisdom and can effectively guide decisions.
9. Develop listening skills.
As we improve our listening skills, we increase
our ability to become more aware of other people’s emotions and to
manage these emotions more effectively. Good listening skills also
help us to learn more about ourselves through the expressed emotions
of others towards us.
10. Seek the help of a qualified behavioral health specialist.
References:
Goleman D (1995) Emotional Intelligence. New York: Bantam
Books
Goleman D (1998) Working with emotional intelligence. New
York: Bantam Books
Mayer, J. D., Salovey P (1995). Emotional intelligence and the
construction and regulation of feelings. Applied and preventive
psychology, 4, 197-208
Consortium for Research on Emotional Intelligence in Organizations
(www.eiconsortium.org)
Foundation for Education and Emotional Literacy (www.eq.org)
Disclaimer
This material is provided for informational
purposes only. None of the information provided in this site is to replace
a timely visit with a health care provider or your behavioral health
professional.
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