How to Measure Emotional Intelligence - Research Paper Example

Emotional Intelligence Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 What is emotional intelligence? 3 Attributes of emotional intelligence 3 Importance of emotional intelligence 4 Raising emotional intelligence 4 Empirical studies 5 How to measure emotional intelligence 6 Conclusion 6 References 7 Emotional Intelligence What is emotional intelligence? Emotional intelligence (EQ) is regarded as the ability of a person to identity, understand, use and manage emotions in a positive manner in order to communicate effectively, overcome stress, manage challenges, empathize with others and defuse existing conflict (Collins, 2013). Several aspects of the daily lives of individuals are influenced by emotional intelligence. Such includes the developed behavior by individuals and their potential or nature of interaction with other people in society. Thus, persons with high emotional intelligence have the ability of comprehending their current emotional states, the nature of emotional states of their colleagues and strategies that need to be adopted in order to interact with others effectively (Malouff et al., 2014). Hence, such individuals establish healthier relationships easily, have a fulfilling life and achieve better results in their work environment. Attributes of emotional intelligence Emotional intelligence is characterized of four attributes. The first attribute is self-awareness, which indicates the potential of individuals to recognize their emotions and how such emotions influence their behavior and thoughts. Further, self-awareness enables one to identify inherent weaknesses and strengths and develop self-confidence (Fall et al., 2013). The second attribute is self-management, which depicts the potential of people to control their impulsive behaviors and feelings, consider initiatives, manage emotions, engage in changing circumstances and adhere to commitments. The third attribute is social awareness, which illustrates how a person is able to comprehend needs, emotions and concerns of other individuals in society. The final attribute is relationship management that helps a person to establish, develop and maintain effective relationships, influence and inspire others, manage conflict, communicate clearly and work in a team. Importance of emotional intelligence Emotional intelligence influences work, relationships, mental and physical health of individuals. Thus, emotional intelligence enables one to navigate in the social complexities of the workplace, motivate and lead others, and attain success in career. For example, majority of companies currently hire based on the emotional intelligence of a person since academic performance does not guarantee the attainment of success in the social sphere (Collins, 2013). Further, when individuals comprehend their emotions and control strategies, they have the ability to express and understand the feelings of others. Hence, they have the power of communicating effectively and building stronger relationships, which are essential in the personal life of an individual. Moreover, the inability of a person to manage physical and mental health is associated with failure to control and manage stress. Thus, such individuals are vulnerable to depression and anxiety, which make them become victims of serious health problems. Raising emotional intelligence Individual senses are the gatherers of all the information in the brain. Hence, when such information is overwhelmingly emotional or stressful, people are not able to act effectively and their responses are frozen (Collins, 2013). Their access to several choices also limits their ability to make valuable decisions. Emotions also control the memory status of a person. Thus, for one to improve on decision making abilities and emotional intelligence, he or she should comprehend how to manage personal emotions. Such can be achieved by remaining focused, minimizing stress and being connected to others at all times (Sertbas, 2013). Establishing relationships, adopting non-verbal communication and use of humor facilitates in handling emotional challenges. Further, it is essential that a person should always resolve conflicts in a positive manner. Empirical studies Fall et al. (2013) conducted a study on emotional intelligence and intercultural communication apprehension among higher education students. This study was qualitative and it involved the dissemination of interview questions to the participants who were university students. The variables involved in this study were intercultural communication and emotional intelligence. Obtained results from the study indicated emotional intelligence subscales were key predictors of apprehension of intercultural communication. These subscales are self-control, sociability and emotionality. Hence, the conclusion of the study was that emotional intelligence is directly related to intercultural communication. Therefore, business curriculum should integrate emotional intelligence. Malouff et al. (2014) conducted a quantitative study to establish the association between romantic relationship satisfaction and emotional intelligence. This study was a meta-analysis where 603 participants were involved and a significant association (r=32) established between romantic relationship satisfaction and trait emotional intelligence. These participants were individuals that have been engaged in a relationship in one way or another. Involved variables in the study were romantic satisfaction and emotional intelligence of a person. As such, this study made a conclusion that emotional intelligence needs to be increased among couples in order to attain higher romantic relationship satisfaction. Sertbas (2013) conducted a study, which focused on the establishment of the relationship that physical education and sports students have with emotional intelligence that is based on demographic variables. The study was qualitative. Participants in the study were 176 students from Sakarya University that study physical education and sports. Emotional intelligence scale was used as a means of gathering data for this study. Descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA and t-test were the methods used in the analysis of data. Results indicated that a meaningful relationship exists between optimism and gender and the appraisal of emotional intelligence. The variables involved were gender, emotional intelligence, and performance level of students. The study made a conclusion that emotional intelligence is linked to gender of a person and contributes significantly towards the academic performance of a student. How to measure emotional intelligence Measuring emotional intelligence of a person involves formulating questions and requesting a person to answer the questions. The correctness of the obtained answers is evaluated as a means of determining the emotional intelligence of a person (Malouff et al., 2014). Examples of tests that can be administered to individuals are reuven bar-on’s EQ-I, emotional competence inventory (ECI), Seligman attributional style questionnaire (SASQ) and multifactor emotional intelligence scale (MEIS). Each of these tests has its own independent questions that a person needs to answer, which can be evaluated to determine the emotional intelligence of such an individual. Conclusion In conclusion, emotional intelligence is something individuals need to comprehend. This is because emotional intelligence aids individuals in perceiving emotions, understanding how emotions emerge and reasoning with emotions. However, people do not have the same level of emotional intelligence since it is dictated by gender and the surrounding social environment where a person is in constant contact with. Nevertheless, individuals with higher levels of emotional intelligence are always motivated, have self-regulation and awareness, show empathy and their social skills are acceptable in society. References Collins, S. (2013). Emotional Intelligence as a Noncognitive Factor in Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists. AANA Journal, 81 (6), 465-472. Fall, L. T., Kelly, S., MacDonald, P., Primm, C., & Holmes, W. (2013). Intercultural Communication Apprehension and Emotional Intelligence in Higher Education: Preparing Business Students for Career Success. Business Communication Quarterly, 76 (4), 412-426 Malouff, J. M., Schutte, N. S., & Thorsteinsson, E. B. (2014). Trait Emotional Intelligence and Romantic Relationship Satisfaction: A Meta-Analysis. American Journal Of Family Therapy, 42 (1), 53-66. Sertbas, K. (2013). Research On Emotional Intelligence Of Students In The School Of Physical Education And Sports In Terms Of Various Variables (Sakarya University Case). International Journal Of Academic Research, 5 (6), 200-206. Read More