Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to identify and manage one’s own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. Emotional intelligence is generally said to include a few skills: namely, emotional awareness, or the ability to identify and name one’s own emotions; the ability to harness those emotions and apply them to tasks like thinking and problem solving; and the ability to manage emo
What Is Emotional Intelligence? (Plain Language Explanation)
Emotional Intelligence refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Emotional Intelligence
- Symptoms: The specific ways emotional intelligence shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen emotional intelligence
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When emotional intelligence occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Emotional Intelligence
- Emotional Intelligence is far more common than most people realize
- Emotional Intelligence is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with emotional intelligence see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about emotional intelligence is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing emotional intelligence, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.