Joseph
Ciarrochi, Joseph P. Forgas, John D. Mayer
Emotional
Intelligence in Everyday Life: A Scientific Inquiry, Psychology
Press, 2001
By Terry
Evangelista, December 10, 2002
1. The
Book?s Overall Content
After reading this book, I felt that there were 9 major
topics that were the most relevant to emotional intelligence (EI) as a whole.
Under each topic a brief overview is given that will hopefully define or
explain why these topics were important.
À
BEGINNINGS
OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE (Chap. 1, pp. 3-9)
Where does EI come from? This is the question that is
answered in these pages. A brief overview of the history of EI is given and we
see how it has become what it is today.
In order to study EI, one needs to know what exactly it is.
The definition given by the authors refers to EI as the ?ability to recognize
the meanings of emotions and their relationships, and to reason and
problem-solve on the basis of them. Emotional intelligence is involved in the
capacity to perceive emotions, assimilate emotion-related feelings, understand
the information of those emotions, and manage them? (pg. 9). In short, EI is
the ability to perceive, express, understand, and manage emotions.
MEASURING EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE (Chap. 2,
pp. 25-45)
If you?re first learning about EI, you are likely to be
wondering how you measure it. In this chapter a brief overview of the various
tests of EI are given. These tests are broken into 2 categories: performance
and self-report tests. A performance test is more objective and is measured
against previous existing scores. Self-report tests are those that ask people
to answer questions relating to their perceived EI.
One test that seems to be the best measure of EI is called
the Multifactor Emotional Intelligence Scale (MEIS). It fulfills the 3 criteria
of a ?true? intelligence. However, more research is needed to determine if
there may be more criteria to be satisfied.
AFFECTIVE
INTELLIGENCE (Chap. 3, pp. 46-63)
Affective states influence our thoughts and behaviors.
Therefore, it is important that it be addressed in our study of EI.À An affective state is defined as an emotion
or subjectively experienced feeling, such as happiness, sadness, fear, or
anger. For example, if a person is in a positive mood, they are more likely to
recall a happy memory. On the other hand, if this same person is in a negative
mood, the memory is more likely to be bad. Because EI has to do with
perceiving, expressing, understanding, and managing emotions, it is evident how
affective intelligence plays a big role in the way a person makes decisions in
their everyday life. If a person is aware of their affective state and the
affective state of others, they are better prepared in interacting with others.
EMOTIONAL
INTELLIGENCE & ALEXITHYMIA (Chap. 4, pp. 67-81)
Those with Alexithymia can be described as having difficulty
identifying and communicating their emotions. EI and alexithymia are related in
that those with high EI have low alexithymia and those with low EI are highly
alexithymic. Individuals with alexithymia also have maladaptive coping styles
such as avoidance, as opposed to adaptive coping strategies, which include
talking things out, and seeking emotional support from family or close friends.
The authors believe that by looking at children and how they develop, they will
come to understand how EI develops. In doing this, they feel they will be able
to prevent certain mental illnesses.
EMOTIONAL
INTELLIGENCE & SELF-ACTUALIZATION (Chap. 5, pp.
82-97)
Self-actualization is a person?s ability to set and achieve
their goals. In doing this, a person will strive to reach their full potential.
Because findings show that EI and self-actualization are closely related,
someone who has high EI is seen as more likely to be self-actualized. The
Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-I) is a test that is used to measure
self-actualization. Research has shown that people who score above average on
this test are more likely to be successful employees. It makes a great deal of
sense that someone who works hard to reach their goals would be more successful
in the workplace.
EMOTIONAL
INTELLIGENCE & INTIMATE RELATIONSHIPS (Chap. 6, pp. 98-112)
This chapter is very informative in how EI relates to
intimate relationships. If you are in a marriage, and you are able to perceive
and understand your partner?s emotions and manage your own emotions, you are
better equipped to make a marriage successful. Research has found that couples
that have high EI are more likely to have a happy and healthy marriage.
EMOTIONAL
INTELLIGENCE & EMPATHIC ACCURACY (Chap. 7, pp.113-132)
Empathic accuracy is the ability to infer or assume what another may be feeling and thinking correctly. If an individual is capable of accurately knowing what another is feeling and thinking, it makes reacting in an appropriate way much easier. Part of EI is the being able to perceive the emotions of another and managing your emotions toward them. Therefore, it would be safe to say that having a high empathic accuracy will improve all types of relationships given the motivation and attention of those doing the perceiving.
EMOTIONAL
INTELLIGENCE & EDUCATION (Chap. 8, pp. 133-149)
EI relates to education in that it better prepares an
individual for social interactions. A child that is capable of understanding,
perceiving, and managing his or her emotions is less likely to take part in
behaviors such as drug use and truancy. Schools that take part in programs that
are aimed at enhancing social and emotional intelligence of children have seen
these programs promote better adjustment in life. EI seems to better prepare
children in making decisions that will affect all aspects of their life.
EMOTIONAL
INTELLIGENCE IN THE WORKPLACE (Chap. 9, pp.150-167)
EI is very important in the workplace. Being able to
understand, perceive, and express emotions in an appropriate way can determine
whether you are successful or not as an employee and in your career. This is
especially important because today it is more and more necessary for people to
work as a team. When a company sets goals, it takes a team effort to accomplish
them. Having EI in the workplace makes it much more likely that employees will
be more productive due to the fact they enjoy the emotionally intelligent
environment they are in.
REFLECTION OF MAJOR TOPICS
When examining these topics I find that they are all related
in some way; the dominant relating factor being EI. These topics were very
interesting in that they are all relevant to the lives of everyday people. I
could relate to each and every one and learned something new with each topic.
Several topics were somewhat familiar to me before taking
this class. One topic was self-actualization. My understanding of it was that a
person that is self-actualized was able to reach their full potential. This is
a one of the major criteria of being self-actualized.
Another topic was EI in the workplace. Before taking this
class I was familiar with the fact that an employee must be able to perceive
and manage their emotions. If you are dealing with a rude customer, no matter
how much they deserve getting a piece of your mind, it is not in your best
interest to do so. You have to be a better person and not to do so may cost you
your job.
This is a book that should be of interest to anyone who is
able to read and understand the concepts. I think it would be the most valuable
to those who score low on EI tests. This is because it emphasizes the
importance of EI in a way that would make these people more eager to improve
their EI. Each chapter in the book shows how EI can improve your life, making
anyone want to learn more.
Another group of people that this book would be of interest
to is those in positions of authority such as educators, managers, and parents.
This book demonstrates significance of managing, expressing, perceiving, and
understanding your emotions and the emotions of others. Improving and mastering
these skills will significantly improve your everyday life.À
2. The
Book?s Importance
PROBLEMS
& SOLUTIONS
The book presents many different problems and offers a variety of solutions. One problem presented in chapter 2 was measuring EI itself. The book named a variety of tests that measure EI but the one test that seems to be the best is the Multifactor Emotional Intelligence Scale (MEIS). There are 4 major components measured in this test:
À
1)
perception and appraisal of emotion in stories, designs,
music, and faces,
2)
ability to assimilate emotions into perceptual and cognitive
processes,
3)
ability to reason about and understand emotions,
4)
skills at managing own emotions and emotions of others.
This is a performance test that is shown to be reliable when testing overall EI. However, there still may be areas to be found before this test is considered an actual measure of intelligence. Research has shown that those who score high on the MEIS tend to report greater life happiness, relationship success, and parental warmth as opposed to those who do not.
Low EI and alexithymia is another problem dealt with in chapter 4. The book suggests that those who have difficulty identifying their feelings and the feelings of others also are more at risk of developing mental illnesses. They are also more likely to use maladaptive coping styles to deal with stress. These coping styles could range from substance abuse to eating disorders.
The solution that the authors put forth is that those with alexithymia learn how to be more sensitive to the feelings of others and that clinicians should encourage them to enhance their imagination. However, most patients with low EI are just given drugs and psychotherapy. There needs to be more research to see whether this type of treatment is actually improving those with low EI and mental illness.
Another problem presented in the book is EI and intimate relationships. It is widely known that more than half of the marriage in the U.S. end in divorce. It can be said that perhaps in these instances these couples had difficulty in identifying and understanding the emotions of their partner. Because of this, they are not able to manage and express their emotions in a way that would be healthy for the marriage. If you are unhappy and your partner thinks you are doing fine, it will most likely to cause resentment that will lead to the breakdown of the marriage.
EI and relationships is very important in that those with high EI in a marriage have more of a chance of a happy marriage. Researchers have found that those couples that sensitive to the emotions of their partner increase their marital happiness. The solution that the authors put forth is that by improving EI, marriages will be more satisfying, and that can lead to less relationship conflicts.
The topics of the book are of relevance to the public in
many ways. This is because these topics span from improving all types of
relationships, education, and performance in the workplace. People today want
to learn ways to improve their lives. They want to have a great family life, a
successful career, and excel intellectually. EI will not solve all your
problems and magically make all these things happen, but it will provide you
with the skills that help make these things possible. To have EI means that you
will set goals and work to reach your full potential. This is the value of
these topics and EI to today?s public.
When looking the book topics, you can see the relevance of
psychology as a field. These areas should be studied extensively in relations
to EI. The value of EI is unprecedented in that it can be used in so many areas
of life. Unless you are living in a world by yourself, EI is needed to
optimally interact with those around you.
I think that the book?s main message is that EI is important
to everyone. Everyone has it; it is just determining at what level a person is
functioning at. Again, as discussed before, EI relates to many areas of a
person?s life. It can improve relationships of all kinds, help one be more
successful in the workplace, and help a person reach their full potential.
Speaking from a background of a psychology major, I think
that this book adequately covers the questions that may come up while reading
the book. It goes into detail in how the different areas are related to EI
while providing research to back up their claims. This book encapsulates what
psychology is all about. Being able to know yourself and accurately perceive what
others are feeling is what I and the majority of psychology majors seek to
learn more about.
3. The
Book?s Structure
EXERCISES/TESTS
Unfortunately, the book does not provide any exercises or tests that could be taken. The book does provide tables and diagrams that enhance the learning of the topics covered in the book. It is great in organizing concepts and that may seem complicated. But after being put into a table or diagram, the information is much more clear. I know from my experience this was the case. For example, table 1.2 on pp. 10-11 the table is very helpful in organizing the characteristics that are said to make up EI based on different individuals.
I did not find any literature review or end notes in the book. I didn?t see the need for these items because in each chapter there was an introduction and conclusion that was very thorough. You knew what the chapter was going to be about my reading the introduction. I also like how the conclusions of the chapters wrapped everything up. If I got lost in the chapter and found it hard to connect different concepts, I was able figure it out in the conclusion.
The thought if was interesting that the there were two parts the index; the author and subject index. I found that by breaking it up it was much easier to use once getting used to it. I liked the fact that it just listed things and was very concise. It gets hard to look for a particular word when there?s so many things jumbled up next to it.
I think that the chapter titles fit well with the topics being discussed. It let you know exactly what the chapter was going to be about. I thought that it helped me as a reader that the titles were very short and to the point.
When looking at layout of the book, it is progressive and it makes sense. However, I did not understand why the authors broke up the book into 3 parts. It would of make more sense to leave them together. All the topics addressed EI and as a reader I could see that.
The print of the book was just right. I didn?t have to strain to see the words. I appreciated that the authors broke up the chapters into sections and how it related to the chapter as a whole. The use of headings and bold words was also caught my attention when reading each section. I liked that these headings made it clear what the section of the chapter was going to be about. It was a great way of organizing the information.
4. Critique
of the Book
OPINION
In my opinion, the book was very informative. There were
several topics discussed that I enjoyed reading. One topic was EI and Intimate
relationships. I think that all married couples and those in a relationship
should read this chapter. It is evident that EI plays a very important role in
the way couples interact with one another. Being able to perceive, understand,
and manage emotions in a relationship is significant in that it promotes
marital harmony. One quote that I found worthwhile is on pg. 98. Ogden Nash
(1962) says,
To keep
your marriage brimming
With love in the
marriage cup
ÀWhenever you?re wrong,
admit it
Whenever
you?re right,
shut up
This quote is a great example of what lifelong marriage
consist of: being able to say your sorry when your wrong, and not rubbing it
into your partner?s face when you are right. In the end, the person will know
and admit that they are wrong and see you as a better person for not throwing
it in their face.
Another topic I enjoyed was the section on EI in the
workplace. I think that EI is very important in the workplace. I know that it
is my experience that when my boss is in a bad mood, she tends to show it at work.
It is not a joy to be around her and there are many of my co-workers that
agree. I am not certain if this individual is aware that she gives off such
negativity, but I would recommend that every workplace receive some sort of EI
training.
One quote that related to EI in the workplace said: ?It
appears that EI can serve as a catalyst to team performance, allowing the team
to quickly and efficiently for a cohesive group. Less emotionally intelligent
teams seem to require more time to learn how to work effectively as a group?
(pg. 164). It goes to show that if you have many co-workers who are low in EI,
it will be more difficult to work as a group.
WHAT I
LEARNED
At the beginning of the semester, I was uncertain about what
to expect from this class. I didn?t know exactly what emotional intelligence
meant, but just had a vague definition in my mind. I was surprised to find that
as a result of this class, I find myself being more aware of my emotions and
how I express them in everyday life. For example, there have been many times
when interacting with family members that my first reaction would be anger. I
have come to see a difference in the reaction from these people when different
routes are taken. I do admit that I do not always use what I learned in this
book, but I know that the strategies are there if I do decide to use them.
I also learned that EI relates to many different areas of
everyday life. From your career, education, relationships, to your health, you
can improve these areas by developing your EI. It is amazing that there is a
practical way in which you can positively impact your day-to-day life.
STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES
In my opinion, the strengths and the weaknesses of this book were about the same. One of its greatest strengths is that the explanations for the why the author felt a certain way was thoroughly explained. When explaining why EI related to an area, there was research to back up the claims.
Probably the greatest weakness of this book is that it lacked any tests or exercises for the reader. When I read about the different tests of EI in the various areas, I was curious to know how the tests looked like. I was appreciative that when presentations of the chapters were given, classmates either gave examples of the test or referred to a website that did.
OTHER
REVIEWS
Emotional
Intelligence: Popular or Scientific Psychology
5. Additional
Observations
The book goes over the definition of what it means to be
emotionally intelligent. However, it fails to address whether or not it is
possible to be an ?evil? person and be ?emotionally intelligent?. It is
possible to look at some of the figures in history such as Adolph Hitler, and
say that he perceived, understood, and managed his emotions in a way that
convinced others to carry out the unspeakable acts of the Holocaust. This is
why I think that a moral aspect of the definition of emotional intelligence
needs to be addressed.
À