Emotional Intelligence (EI) is a broad term related to interpersonal and intrapersonal qualities that can be measured as either a trait or ability. As a trait, EI encompasses a constellation of dispositions related to recognizing, processing, and effectively utilizing emotional information. In other words, people with healthy levels of trait EI tend to express more developed beliefs in their capacity for well-being, self-control, effective social interactions, and emotionality.

Research supports positive relationships between TEI and happiness, life satisfaction, and secure attachment levels in close relationships, just to name a few. Ability EI is one’s skillfulness in perceiving emotions, integrating emotional information with cognitions, understanding emotions, and regulating emotions in an effective manner. There is controversy over an agreed upon definition of EI in general, although the basic difference between ability EI and trait EI is related to how it is measured. For practical purposes, it is most useful to think of emotional intelligence as the degree to which you feel able or believe in your ability to notice, manage, and utilize emotion-laden content within the social and internal contexts.

What is Ability Emotional Intelligence?

“It is very important to understand that emotional intelligence is not the opposite of intelligence, it is not the triumph of heart over head — it is the unique intersection of both.” – David Caruso We have all had experiences with people who seem to have extraordinary emotional intelligence.  Perhaps we are unaware of the…

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Anger Inoculation in 4 Steps

“Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.” – Buddha When anger is unexplored or misunderstood, it is easy for it to become an overwhelming and destructive force.  It doesn’t have to be this way.  It is…

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Envy Can Be Good For You

“Our envy always lasts longer than the happiness of those we envy.” – François Duc de La Rochefoucauld Most of us have experienced pangs of envy at some point in life.  It may feel like a knot in the pit of your stomach as one of your colleagues or peers receives praise or admiration.  Perhaps you…

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