What defines emotional intelligence?

Emotional intelligence is fundamentally defined as the capacity to recognize and manage both one’s own emotions and the emotions of others. This ability encompasses several key skills, including emotional awareness, empathy, and the capacity for effective communication. Understanding and managing emotions is crucial for navigating social interactions, fostering relationships, and making informed decisions, especially in challenging situations.

Being emotionally intelligent allows individuals to respond to their own feelings and those of others in constructive ways, enhancing personal well-being and cooperation in various settings. This definition emphasizes the importance of awareness and control over emotions rather than neglecting or manipulating them, which is appropriate given the focus of emotional intelligence on positive interpersonal interactions and self-regulation.