Emotions and Emotional Intelligence Notes

Emotions and Emotional Intelligence

Key Concepts of Emotions

• Definition: A complex psychophysiological experience involving physiological arousal, expressive behaviors, and conscious understanding (de Guzman et al., 2012).

• Guidance: Emotions help navigate significant predicaments, offering readiness to act and directions to handle life’s challenges (Goleman, 1995).

Functions of Emotions

1. Preparation for Action: Links external events to behavioral responses.

2. Shaping Future Behavior: Acts as reinforcement.

3. Regulating Social Interaction: Enhances mutual understanding among individuals.

Components of Emotions (Passer & Smith, 2007)

• Physiological Component

• Behavioral Component

  • Facial Expressions: Communicate emotions universally but can be misleading.

• Cognitive Component

Theories of Emotion

• Cannon-Bard Theory: States physiological arousal and emotional experience occur simultaneously in response to stimuli. Examples illustrated how fear is experienced alongside physical reactions.

• James-Lange Theory: Argues that emotional experience follows physiological arousal. Events trigger arousal, and the interpretation of that arousal leads to emotion.

• Schachter-Singer Theory: Emotion arises from physiological arousal followed by cognitive labeling of that arousal based on environmental context.

• Lazarus Theory: Proposes that thought precedes emotional experience, requiring evaluation of a situation before feeling an emotion.

Emotional Intelligence

• Definition: Ability to understand, use, and manage one’s emotions to foster stronger relationships, make decisions, and handle challenging situations (Bar-On, 2005).

• Components of Emotional Intelligence:

  1. Self-Awareness

  2. Self-Regulation

  3. Motivation

  4. Empathy

  5. Social Skills

Managing Emotions

• Strategies:

  • Tune in to feelings.

  • Recognize emotions and their impact on others.

  • Accept and manage disruptive impulses.

  • Maintain integrity and responsibility amidst challenges.

Types of Responses

• Passive: Not expressing needs or feelings.

• Aggressive: Expressing feelings in a threatening manner.

• Assertive: Honest and respectful communication without infringing on others' rights.