What’s your EQ?

Most people have heard of IQ, but few have heard of EQ.  EQ stands for Emotional Quotient, or your emotional intelligence.  According to Psychology Today, “emotional intelligence refers to the ability to identify and manage one’s own emotions, as well as the emotions of others.”  There is no standard test or scale to measure one’s emotional intelligence.  An emotionally intelligent person is conscious of their emotions, both negative and positive, and is able to identify and then manage them.  An emotionally intelligent person is also highly aware of other’s emotions as well and is able to help others identify and manage their own emotions.  

Since there is no standardized test for EQ, there is no standard set of skills that make up a person’s emotional intelligence; however, overall there are usually at least 3 specific skills that are included in an EQ measurement. Psychology Today tells us “Emotional intelligence is generally said to include at least three skills: emotional awareness, or the ability to identify and name one’s own emotions; the ability to harness those emotions and apply them to tasks like thinking and problem solving; and the ability to manage emotions, which includes both regulating one’s own emotions when necessary and helping others to do the same.”  The ability to be more emotionally aware can help to make you a better parent, partner, and friend.

Discussing emotions is often difficult for many people as it can make us feel uncomfortable to make ourselves vulnerable.  Often this is a result of how we were raised or the time in which we grew up.  In order to help raise more emotionally intelligent children, we will have to learn how to discuss our emotions and teach our children how to identify and discuss theirs as well.  Watch for a follow up post about how to identify and discuss emotions with your children.