Emotional intelligence brief introduction

brief introduction

1. Emotional intelligence Dr. RIYA GUPTA FCPS Trainee DEPT. OF PSYCHIATRY CMCH.

2. What is emotional intelligence? “The ability to perceive, understand, manage, and use emotions effectively.” – Salovey & Mayer (1990) · The ability to understand, use, and manage your own emotions in positive ways. · To relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathize with others, overcome challenges, and defuse conflict. · It's not about being "nice" – it's about being aware

3. Historical background 1990 – Mayer & Salovey introduce Emotional Intelligence They developed “Ability model” of Emotional intelligence Core idea was, “Emotional intelligence is a form of intelligence — not a personality trait — that involves processing emotional information and using it to guide thinking and behavior effectively.”

4. Cont … Branch Description Example 1.Perceiveing emotions The ability to recognize emotions in yourself and others — in facial expressions, tone of voice, and art. Noticing that your friend’s smile seems forced, or identifying sadness in music. 2.Using emotions to facilate thinking The ability to use emotions to prioritize thinking and problem-solving — emotions guide attention and creativity Feeling excitement boosts creativity during brainstorming.

5. Cont.. Branch Description Example 3.Understanding emotions The ability to comprehend emotional language and how emotions evolve or combine. Knowing that frustration can turn into anger, or guilt can lead to repair behavior. 4.Managing emotions The ability to regulate emotions in yourself and others to promote well-being and goal achievement. Calming yourself before an exam or helping a friend manage anxiety.

6. Mixed model • Introduced by Daniel Goleman (1995) • Refers to the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions and those of others • EQ complements IQ in determining personal and professional success .It has four domain:

7. Amygdala hijack • Coined by Daniel Goleman (1995) to describe moments when the amygdala overrides rational thinking. • Emotional stimuli trigger the amygdala before the prefrontal cortex processes the situation. • Results in impulsive, emotion-driven behavior. • Example: Responding angrily before thinking logically. • EI helps by engaging the prefrontal cortex to pause and regulate reactions.

8. Brain pathway in amygdala hijack Amygdala: part of the limbic system, processes emotions like fear, anger, and pleasure Thalamus: receives sensory input and sends signals to both Amygdala (fast emotional route) — for immediate, instinctive reaction Neocortex (slow rational route) — for thoughtful analysis.

9. When the amygdala detects a threat or emotional trigger, it activates the “fight–flight–freeze” response through the hypothalamus, releasing stress hormones (adrenaline, cortisol).This can happen before the prefrontal cortex fully understands the situation.➡️ Result: You react emotionally before you tSomeone criticizes you publicly → Amygdala triggers anger → You shout back impulsively.Later , after calming down, the prefrontal cortex realizes the reaction was excessive.

10. Relation to emotional intelligence Emotional intelligence helps prevent amygdala hijack by: 1. Self-awareness: Recognizing emotional triggers early. 2. Self-regulation: Activating the prefrontal cortex before reacting. 3. Empathy: Understanding others’ emotions, reducing misinterpretation.

11. Why EI can be developed,not innate? 1. Based on Learnable Skills:EQ involves self-awareness, empathy, communication, and emotion regulation — all of which are behavioral skills that can be practiced and strengthened over time. 2. Neuroplasticity of the Brain:The brain has the ability to reorganize neural connections based on experience and practice.Repeated emotional regulation, mindfulness, or empathy exercises strengthen neural pathways between the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, improving emotional control.

12. Cont … 3. Experience and Feedback:Real-life interactions, feedback, and reflection help individuals become more aware of their emotional triggers and responses.This continuous process builds emotional maturity. 5. Social Learning:Humans learn emotional expression and empathy through observation, imitation, and reinforcement — meaning EQ can improve through positive role models and supportive environments.

13. Why EQ matter? 1. EQ predicts real-world success better than IQIQ explains only about 20% of life success (Goleman, 1995).The remaining 80% depends on emotional and social abilities — how well we manage ourselves and relate to others.Many people with average IQs outperform those with high IQs because of strong emotional intelligence. 2. EQ governs how we manage ourselves. People with high EQ make better decisions, handle pressure, and recover faster from setbacks.

14. Cont …. 3. EQ shapes relationships and teamwork. In workplaces, empathy and communication often determine leadership success more than technical skills. 4. EQ enhances leadership and influence 5. EQ supports mental and physical health. Regulating emotions reduces stress hormones (like cortisol). 6. EQ can be developed (Unlike IQ)

15. Assessment of Emotional intelligence 🧠 1. Ability Model Assessment🧩 Mayer– Salovey –Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT) Developed by: Mayer, Salovey , & Caruso (2002)Based on: Ability Model of EI ⚙️ How It Works It's a performance-based test, not a self- report.Participants solve emotion-related problems (e.g., choosing which face best shows “fear”).Scoring is based on consensus (agreement with general population) or expert norms.

16. Cont … 💼 2. Mixed Model Assessments (Daniel Goleman’s Model) Emotional Competence Inventory (ECI):methods are- 360° feedback tool: ratings from self, peers, supervisors, subordinates. 🔹 Emotional and Social Competence Inventory (ESCI):Updated version of ECI ( Boyatzis & Goleman, 2007).Measures 12 competencies under four clusters:1. Self-awareness 2. Self-management 3. Social awareness. 4.Relationship management

17. Cont … 3. Trait Model Assessment 🔹 Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire ( TEIQue ):methods are- Self-report questionnaire with ~150 items.Measures 15 facets under 4 factors:well being,sociability , emotionality, self control.