Emotional quotient (EQ): The essence of life

Pages: 1244-1248
Sudha Srikanth and Reeta Sonawat (Department of Human Development, SNDT Womens University, Mumbai)

The aim of this study is to explore the available literature on Emotional Intelligence (EI) and understand it’s application in day to day life. This paper is a culmination of various studies in EI which indicate that Emotional Intelligence can add essence to life. To provide greater focus and direction to the readers, the studies have been divided into the following sub-topics: Concept of EI, Models of EI, Skills in EI, Contribution of EI to enhance quality of life. Emotional Intelligence forms the foundation for enhanced learning, optimal relationships and effective decision-making.EI, according to Nancy Gibbs (1995) of TIME magazine “may be the best predictor of success in life.” Believing that cognitive ability plays a rather limited role in accounting for why some people are more successful than others, Daniel Goleman (1995) agreed with Salovey and Mayer’s work in the early 1990’s. Displaced anger, violence and aggression, failed relationships, crimes, abuses, well, the list seems endless! All these have one thing in common…..emotions.Words uttered in haste, out of place actions, reactions instead of responses, no signs of forgiving and letting go add to the woes. The missing piece in this beautiful puzzle of life seems to be unattended, ignored and repressed emotions. Inspite of theories and models, it can be concluded that EI with regard to application in everyday life has not been researched enough.“Nurturing Values and Strengths in Individuals and Society: Role of Psychology” being the theme for the conference, it is of utmost importance that we at this juncture in life, take a step back and evaluate why are there so many crimes in this world of fast track technology? How can we take a step forward in the area of research to understand EQ-The Essence of Life.