This underrated type of intelligence could predict academic success
This underrated type of intelligence could predict academic success
No amount of flashcards or practice problems can build this crucial skill.
By Alexandra Pattillo
December 12, 2019
Summary
In 1990, researchers Peter Salovey and John Mayer coined the phrase emotional intelligence, to mean "The ability to monitor one's own and others' feelings and emotions, to discriminate among them and to use this information to guide one's thinking and actions." Since then, emotional intelligence research has linked this skill to success both in school and beyond graduation.
Across all age groups, students with higher emotional intelligence tended to get higher grades and test scores than those with lower emotional intelligence scores.
Of the traits that are most important to academic success, emotional intelligence ranks third under intelligence and conscientiousness, the study suggests.
Emotional regulation Emotional intelligence offers three major academic advantages, the researchers say.
High emotional intelligence may also enable students to better interpret course material in courses that require more than problem-solving skills, like history, literature, or theater.
An emotionally intelligent student may be more able to ask a peer for help on chemistry homework, while someone with low emotional intelligence might not have the right social skills to ask for a favor.
The researchers don't go as far to say schools should start screening for emotional intelligence among students.
Reference
Pattillo, A. (2019, December 12). This underrated type of intelligence could predict academic success. Retrieved December 19, 2019, from https://www.inverse.com/article/61671-emotional-intelligence-is-key-factor-for-success.