Emotional Intelligence in Literature & Literary Theory

Emotional Intelligence: Etymology and Concept

The term “emotional intelligence” can be deconstructed etymologically to elucidate its conceptual underpinnings. “Emotional” derives from the Latin word “emotio,” signifying a strong feeling or agitation. The inclusion of “intelligence” originates from the Latin “intelligentia,” denoting the capacity for understanding and discernment.

Coined by psychologists Peter Salovey and John Mayer in 1990, and popularized by Daniel Goleman in 1995, emotional intelligence represents an individual’s ability to perceive, understand, manage, and regulate emotions—both their own and those of others. It encompasses a nuanced interplay between affective and cognitive capacities, emphasizing the importance of emotional awareness and adept interpersonal skills in navigating social contexts and fostering personal well-being.

Concept
Etymological Roots
– “Emotional” from Latin “emotio”	– Signifying a strong feeling or agitation
– “Intelligence” from Latin “intelligentia”	– Denoting the capacity for understanding and discernment
Foundational Psychologists
– Coined by Peter Salovey and John Mayer in 1990	– Pioneering the concept
– Popularized by Daniel Goleman in 1995	– Widening its influence globally
Core Components
– Perception: Ability to recognize emotions in oneself and others	– Fundamental for emotional awareness
– Understanding: Comprehension of the complex interplay of emotions	– Grasping the intricacies of emotional dynamics
– Management: Skill in regulating and handling emotions effectively	– Essential for personal and interpersonal effectiveness
– Regulation: Capacity to control and navigate emotional responses	– Enabling adaptability and resilience
Integration of Affective and Cognitive Capacities
– Involves a nuanced interplay between emotional and cognitive skills	– Recognizes the interdependence of emotional and cognitive capacities
– Highlights the significance of both realms in fostering emotional intelligence	– Emphasizes a holistic approach to cognitive-emotional synergy
Interpersonal Emphasis
– Stresses the importance of adept interpersonal skills	– Vital for successful social interactions
– Recognizes the value of effective communication and relationship-building	– Contributing to harmonious connections
Personal and Social Well-being
– Emphasizes the role of emotional intelligence in promoting individual well-being	– Tied to mental health and overall life satisfaction
– Acknowledges the impact on social interactions and community welfare	– Positively influencing collective harmony

Emotional Intelligence: Definition of a Theoretical Term

Emotional intelligence, as a theoretical construct, refers to the capacity to recognize, comprehend, and regulate one’s own emotions, as well as to understand and influence the emotions of others.

Rooted in the interplay of affective and cognitive processes, it encompasses a set of abilities crucial for effective interpersonal interactions and adaptive responses to varying emotional stimuli.

The concept, introduced by psychologists Peter Salovey and John Mayer, emphasizes the integration of emotional awareness and intelligence as integral components of human cognitive functioning.

Emotional Intelligence: Theorists, Works and Argument

Theorists	Notable Works	Central Arguments
Peter Salovey and John Mayer	Emotional Intelligence (1990)	Introduced the concept, defining it as the ability to perceive, understand, manage, and regulate emotions.
Daniel Goleman	Emotional Intelligence (1995)	Popularized the concept, arguing that it is a crucial factor in personal and professional success.
Howard Gardner	Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences (1983)	Acknowledged it as one of several intelligences, extending beyond traditional cognitive abilities.
Salovey, Mayer, Caruso, and Sitarenios	Emotional Intelligence as a Standard Intelligence (1999)	Expanded on the idea as a distinct form of intelligence, akin to traditional measures of cognitive abilities.

Emotional Intelligence: Major Characteristics

1. Self-Awareness:

• The ability to recognize and understand one’s own emotions.
• Involves an honest appraisal of one’s strengths and weaknesses in emotional realms.

2. Self-Regulation:

• The capacity to manage and control one’s emotions effectively.
• Includes the ability to remain calm in stressful situations and adapt to changing circumstances.

3. Motivation:

• Intrinsic drive and passion for achieving personal and professional goals.
• The capability to persist in the face of setbacks and maintain a positive outlook.

4. Empathy:

• The skill of understanding and sharing the feelings of others.
• Involves the ability to accurately perceive and comprehend the emotional experiences of those around you.

5. Social Skills:

• Proficiency in managing relationships and building networks.
• Encompasses effective communication, conflict resolution, and collaboration with others.

6. Recognition of Emotions in Others:

• The ability to identify and understand the emotions of others.
• Facilitates more empathetic and responsive interpersonal interactions.

7. Emotional Expression:

• The skill to express one’s own emotions in a constructive manner.
• Involves effective communication of feelings without being overly reactive or suppressing emotions.

8. Adaptability:

• The capability to adjust to and navigate through diverse and challenging situations.
• Involves a flexible response to change and an openness to new ideas and perspectives.

9. Emotional Resilience:

• The ability to bounce back from setbacks and adversity.
• Involves maintaining emotional well-being in the face of challenges.

10. Conflict Resolution:

• Skill in managing and resolving conflicts in a constructive and collaborative manner.
• Involves finding solutions that consider the emotional needs of all parties involved.

Emotional Intelligence: Relevance in Literary Theories

Literary Theories	Relevance
Psychoanalytic Theory	Examines characters’ emotional conflicts and subconscious motivations.
	It aids in understanding and analyzing characters’ emotions and behaviors.
Reader-Response Theory	Focuses on readers’ emotional responses to literary works.
	It is crucial for interpreting and connecting with readers’ diverse emotional reactions.
Feminist Literary Theory	Explores gendered emotional experiences and expressions in literature.
	is valuable in recognizing and analyzing nuanced gender-related emotions.
Cultural Studies	Examines the emotional impact of cultural contexts on literary works.
	Emotional intelligence enhances the understanding of how cultural nuances shape characters’ emotional experiences.
Postcolonial Theory	Explores the emotional dimensions of colonial and postcolonial experiences.
	It aids in comprehending the psychological impact of colonialism on characters and cultures.
Structuralism and Formalism	Focuses on the emotional impact of linguistic and structural elements in literature.
	It helps in deciphering the emotional nuances embedded in literary language and form.
Narrative Theory	Analyzes the emotional engagement and impact of narrative structures.
	It is essential for understanding the emotional resonance of narrative arcs and character developments.

Emotional Intelligence: Application in Critiques

Critique Aspect	Application
Character Analysis	Utilizes emotional intelligence to decipher and analyze characters’ emotions, motivations, and interpersonal dynamics.
	Examines how characters’ intelligence, or lack thereof, shapes plot developments and relationships.
Reader Response	Considers the potential emotional impact of the work on readers.
	Acknowledges diverse reader emotional responses and interprets their significance in the critique.
Theme Exploration	Explores emotional themes within the literary work and their resonance.
	Considers how the author’s intelligence contributes to the nuanced exploration of themes.
Narrative Engagement	Analyzes how emotional intelligence enhances or inhibits narrative engagement.
	Considers the effectiveness of emotional storytelling and its impact on the overall reading experience.
Cultural Sensitivity	Applies emotional intelligence to interpret and critique culturally sensitive elements in the work.
	Evaluates how the author navigates cultural nuances and emotional landscapes, fostering understanding and respect.
Psychological Depth	Assesses the depth of emotional insight into characters’ psychological states.
	Critiques the authenticity and complexity of emotional portrayals, determining their contribution to narrative depth.
Symbolic Interpretation	Applies it to interpret symbolic elements and their emotional connotations.
	Explores how symbols evoke emotional responses and contribute to the overall thematic and aesthetic impact.
Language and Style Analysis	Considers the emotional tone and style of language, examining their impact on the reader.
	Assesses the author’s emotional intelligence in crafting language and style to achieve specific literary effects.

Emotional Intelligence: Relevant Terms

Relevant Terms	Definition and Explanation
Affective Empathy	The capacity to share and understand the emotions of others, often leading to a compassionate response.
Intrapersonal Awareness	A form of self-awareness involving the recognition and understanding of one’s own emotions and motivations.
Interpersonal Skills	The ability to communicate, collaborate, and navigate social interactions effectively, demonstrating emotional intelligence in relationships.
Emotional Regulation	The skill of managing and controlling one’s own emotions, ensuring a balanced and adaptive response to various situations.
Social Awareness	The capability to accurately perceive and comprehend the emotions of others, fostering empathy and effective interpersonal dynamics.
Motivational Resilience	The ability to maintain motivation and focus in the face of challenges, utilizing emotional intelligence to persevere and achieve goals.
Emotional Literacy	Proficiency in recognizing, understanding, and expressing emotions, crucial for effective communication and interpersonal effectiveness.
Cognitive Empathy	Understanding and grasping the emotional perspective of others from a cognitive standpoint, even if the emotions are not personally felt.
Stress Management	The skill of handling and mitigating stress, utilizing emotional intelligence to maintain composure and make rational decisions under pressure.
Emotional Fluency	The ease and skill in expressing and communicating a wide range of emotions, contributing to effective emotional intelligence.
Adaptability	The ability to adjust and thrive in changing circumstances, drawing on emotional intelligence to navigate transitions and challenges.
Self-Motivation	Intrinsic drive and determination to pursue goals, guided by emotional intelligence to sustain enthusiasm and resilience.
Conflict Resolution	Skillfully managing conflicts by understanding and addressing the emotional dimensions, promoting constructive and mutually beneficial outcomes.

Emotional Intelligence: Suggested Readings

1. Goleman, Daniel. Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. Bantam, 1995.
2. Salovey, Peter, and John D. Mayer. “Emotional Intelligence.” Imagination, Cognition, and Personality, vol. 9, no. 3, 1990, pp. 185-211.
3. Mayer, John D., Peter Salovey, and David R. Caruso. Emotional Intelligence: Theory, Findings, and Implications. Psychological Inquiry, 2004.
4. Brackett, Marc A., and Susan E. Rivers. Emotional Intelligence: Implications for Personal, Social, Academic, and Workplace Success. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 2011.
5. Bar-On, Reuven. Emotional Intelligence: An Integral Part of Positive Psychology. South African Journal of Psychology, vol. 37, no. 2, 2007, pp. 254-266.