Emotional intelligence (EI), also known as EQ, is the capacity to recognize, understand, manage, and effectively use emotions in oneself and in interactions with others. It is considered crucial for navigating social situations, making good decisions, and achieving positive outcomes. Key theoretical models include the ability model, which views EI as a set of cognitive skills for processing emotional information (Mayer & Salovey), and mixed models that incorporate broader personality traits and social competencies (Goleman, Bar-On).

High EI is fundamental to building and maintaining healthy personal relationships. It improves communication, facilitates constructive conflict resolution, and deepens connections through increased empathy. Individuals with higher EI tend to experience more stable and positive relationships.

In the professional sphere, EI is a significant predictor of success for individuals and organizations. It is essential for effective leadership, fostering high-performing teams (collective EI), enhancing individual job performance, managing stress, and building resilience in the workplace.

Crucially, EI is not fixed but can be developed through conscious effort. Strategies for cultivating EI involve assessing one's current level (via tests, self-reflection, or 360-degree feedback) and practicing skills related to self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. Mindfulness is highlighted as a particularly effective tool for enhancing EI.

EI is related to, but distinct from, social intelligence, which focuses on navigating broader social contexts. While ability-based EI shows only modest links to personality traits, mixed models of EI demonstrate significant overlap, particularly with Neuroticism and Extraversion. Cognitive biases can interfere with accurate emotional perception and judgment, negatively impacting EI.

Despite facing criticisms regarding its definition as a true intelligence, measurement challenges, overlap with personality, and predictive validity, EI remains a dynamic field. Research continues to refine models, develop tailored interventions, explore cultural influences, and examine the intersection of EI with technology and other psychological constructs, underscoring its growing recognition as a vital skill in an increasingly complex world.