This article presents a framework for emotional intelligence, a set of skills hypothesized to contribute to the accurate appraisal and expression of emotion in oneself and in others, the effective regulation of emotion in self and others, and the use of feelings to motivate, plan and achieve in one's life. It starts by reviewing the debate about the adaptive versus maladaptive qualities of emotion. Then an exploration of the literature on intelligence, and especially social intelligence, is given to examine the place of emotion in traditional intelligence conceptions. A framework for integrating the research on emotion-related skills is then described. Next, a review of the components of emotional intelligence is given. To conlude the review, the role of emotional intelligence in mental health is discussed and avenues for further investigation are suggested.
Abstract