It is the capability of individuals to recognize their own emotions and those of others, differentiate between different feelings and label them appropriately, use emotional information to guide thinking and behaviour and adjust emotions to adapt to environments
It can also be defined as the ability to perceive, use, understand and manage emotions
There are three main models of EI : Ability model, Mixed model, Trait model
Ability Model
It sees emotions as useful sources of information, this information can then be used in various social situations
It proposes that individuals vary in their ability to process information of an emotional nature
As per this model, EI includes four types of abilities - Perceiving emotions, using emotions, understanding emotions & managing emotions
Mixed Model
As per this model, EI is seen as a set of emotional competencies or skills that can be acquired.
Some of these skills are : Self-awareness, Self-regulation, Social skill, Empathy, Motivation
Trait Model
It refers to an individual`s self-perceptions of their emotional abilities
Emotional intelligence is typically associated with empathy because it involves an individual connecting their personal experiences with those of others
