How is "emotional intelligence" best defined?

Emotional intelligence is best defined as the ability to recognize, understand, and manage emotions. This definition encompasses several key components:

1. Recognition of Emotions: This involves being aware of your own emotions as well as the emotions of others. It allows individuals to interpret emotional cues and social signals accurately.

2. Understanding Emotions: Once emotions are recognized, they must be understood in context. This includes knowing the causes and potential consequences of emotions and how they can affect behavior and interactions.

3. Management of Emotions: This aspect highlights the importance of regulating one’s own emotions and influencing the emotions of others in a constructive way. This could mean managing stress, communicating effectively, and demonstrating empathy.

By encompassing these elements, emotional intelligence facilitates better interpersonal relationships and enhances emotional well-being, making it a crucial skill both personally and professionally.

Other definitions related to emotional experiences or suppression of emotions do not capture the full scope of emotional intelligence. For instance, simply memorizing and recalling emotional experiences does not address the critical aspects of understanding and managing those emotions. Suppressing emotions instead of managing them can lead to negative outcomes, and while making others feel better emotionally is important, it is only a part of the broader skill set