What is Emotional Intelligence?

Emotional Intelligence is a term which is used to describe

the ability or skill of an individual to influence the emotions
within themselves, as well as other people. Not only is a
person able to influence these emotions, but they are also
capable of managing and assessing them.

EI is considered to be on the cutting edge of psychological

research, so it is important to keep in mind that this concept
is still in development. Despite the fact that EI itself is a
recent term, its roots can be traced to earlier theories which
were espoused by Charles Darwin.

Darwin often spoke of the emotional expression which was

necessary for the survival and adaptation of the species.
Since the 1900s, most researchers have emphasized the
more cognitive areas of the brain, particularly those that
dealt with logic or problem solving.

There is some degree of contention which exists when it

comes to properly defining EI. Some define emotional
intelligence as the ability to monitor not only your feelings,
but those of others. A person with emotional intelligence is
able to find a distinction between these feelings, and can use
this info to properly guide their actions.

This is an earlier definition, and there has been some

confusion which has occurred due to its meaning. In addition
to this, the definitions for EI vary since the field is expanding
at such a rapid pace.

As of this writing, there are three primary models for EI, and
these models are the Trait EI model, the Mixed model EI,
and the Ability EI model. The ability based model involves
the emotions and their integrations for the facilitation of
thought, controlled in a manner which allows for personal
growth. The ability based model sees emotions as being an
effective way to assist one in functioning properly within a
social environment.

The Ability Based Model-

The ability based model indicates that people are distinct

when it comes to their ability to handle information which is
emotional based, as well as their ability to connect their
emotions to other phenomenon. Their abilities will generally
manifest themselves in specific behaviors which are
adaptive.

There are three types of abilities which are associated with

this model, and these are the ability to perceive emotions,
the ability to use emotions, the ability to handle emotions,
and the ability to decipher emotions. The ability based model
is often the subject of criticism since it doesn't appear to
have many practical applications.

MIXED MODEL EI-

The Mixed Model EI is quite distinct from ability based

model. The mixed model theory views emotions as a set of
skills which can allow one to perform as a leader. Some of
the factors which are associated with the mix model include
self awareness, social awareness, self management, and
relationship management.

Self awareness is extremely important because it gives one

the ability to analyze their emotions, evaluating the impact
they have on others while using these emotions to make
critical decisions. Self management involves a person's
ability to control their emotions in such a way that they're
able to react to circumstances which change. Relationship
management involves a person's ability to function with
others and manage conflict.

Trait EI Model-

The Trait EI Model is defined as a collection of self

perceptions which are based on emotion, self perceptions
which can be found at the base of one's personality. In other
words, Trait EI deals with the self perception a person has of
their own emotional skills.