Emotional Intelligence

Paper Summary:

This paper explains, based on D. Goleman's book "Emotional Intelligence: Why it can Matter More than IQ", that emotional intelligence includes the ability to empathize and to hope, which are qualities more valuable than the high IQ that schools still insist is the measure of a child's ability. The author points out that Goleman states that emotional intelligence allows a person to motivate him or herself, persist when frustrated, control impulses, delay gratification, regulate his or her own moods and be able to think even when distressed. The paper relates that the author points out that, because their brains are not fully formed yet, it is possible to teach children to become aware of their emotions and how to control them appropriately; therefore, the schools have a genuine opportunity to make children emotionally literate.

From the Paper:

"Violent criminals often lack empathy and have no sympathy or feeling for their victim's suffering. Violence in schools, sometimes ending in the death of students, is a direct result of emotional illiteracy. We need to pay more attention to this problem rather than making reading and writing the end-all and be-all of education. Goleman argues that childhood has been poisoned by hectic, instable, and inconsistent family life as well as all the negative influences surrounding children, and emotional malaise in children is the price that is being paid."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional intelligence: Why it can matter more than IQ. New York: Bantam Books.

More papers on Emotional Intelligence:

• Research Paper # 97407 : "Emotional Intelligence and Children"
• Article Review # 141660 : "Feeling Smart: The Science of Emotional Intelligence"
• Book Review # 122780 : "Emotional Intelligence"
• Term Paper # 143364 : "Emotional Intelligence"

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