Emotional Intelligence in Student Life

Inspite of being smarter with their higher intelligence quotient levels, students are not so smart about feelings. They are showing disturbing trends of increased anger issues, loneliness, aggression and impulsive behavior. Emotional Intelligence can become an answer and solution to all these problems. Emotional In(EI) refers to the ability to perceive, control, and evaluate emotions. Some researchers suggest that emotional intelligence can be learned and strengthened, while other claim it is an inborn characteristic.

Parents can help their children develop their emotional side or EQ by engaging them into more social activities and interactions or giving them books etc. They should give them more exposure in terms of emotions and compassion towards self and others. They should be given a chance to speak up their mind and not be reserved. They should be allowed or made to develop their hobbies or outdoor activities. They should be more exposed and should grow in an emotionally rich environment. The school can help because getting along with classmates and teachers is very important for over all development. They can give assignments and projects related to a topic that the child likes. The Five elements of EI as suggested by Daniel Goleman:

Self-Awareness – The ability to recognize and understand your moods, emotions and drives, as well as their effect on others.

Self-Regulation – The ability to control or re-direct disruptive impulses and moods and the propensity to suspend judgment and think before acting.

Motivation – A passion to work for reasons that go beyond money and status and a propensity to pursue goals with energy and persistence

Social Skills – A proficiency in managing relationships and building networks.

Empathy – The ability to understand the emotional makeup of other people.

As emotional intelligence is not only a part of student life or on the world of education it is also becoming a significant factor of  one’s recruitment in corporate life and in social life too, which

is beyond his academic achievement. The corporate world is recruiting leaders who display EI. The practice of reflective thinking is a powerful tool in bringing about understanding, competency and mastery into one’s life. It is suggested to education world that mentors should now focus on the factors revealed in the study to develop highly emotionally intelligent youth to with such competencies where the academic achievement and social intelligence can be achieved and applied as well at the most. Emotional Intelligence is not,in itself, sufficient to create optimal outcomes for youth. However, the way emotional intelligence is used, both by youth and those who support them has a powerful effect on the children’s lives. 

The author of this article is Asst. Professor Pioneer Institute of professional Studies