Simply stated, EQ (Emotional Quotient), otherwise known as emotional intelligence, is the ability to ” monitor one’s own and others’ feelings, to discriminate among them, and to use this information to guide one’s thinking and action.’’ (Salovey & Mayer 1990, p. 189)
Later, more refined definitions break this abstract concept into 4 distinct abilities including the ability to perceive, use, understand and manage emotions. (Mayer & Salovey, 1997).
How does stress and trauma, particularly developmental trauma, which is chronic stress over a prolonged period of time, affect emotional awareness and capacity and well as productivity?
Trauma, which sometimes can be chronic stress, can have many negative effects on the developing brain and overall neurological functioning . Symptoms of these negative effects can include but are not limited to: hyperactivity, impulsivity, difficulty focusing, outburst of anger or increased irritability, difficulty forming and maintaining friendships, chronic conflict in interpersonal relationships, pervasive fear and anxiety, restricted range of feelings and all or nothing thinking as it relates to emotion. For a more complete list of symptoms of trauma CLICK HERE.
Why is it important particularly in a child’s early development and how can education in this area improve educational outcomes and business growth and achievement?
Research suggests that people who have a high EQ or are higher in measured scales of emotional intelligence, have greater work success and more fulfilling personal relationships with others. It stands to reason that if a child develops this ability more thoroughly early in life, it can translate to these same benefits at a greater capacity later in life. (Salovey & Grewel, 2005) Additionally, in all environments whether it is a home, a business or a school; the capacity for persons in those environments to navigate the complex world of emotions more effectively leads to greater success and achievement over time.
What is the most important aspect associated with feelings, stress and trauma?
The predominant aspect of trauma memory is non-declarative memory which is not a thinking memory but rather a feeling, taste, touch, muscle movement etc. It is associated with the 5 senses which one experiences within their body. By teaching children and adults to focus on “WHERE” they feel instead of how, it serves as a bridge between the thinking and emotional mind or limbic brain and can help facilitate the natural processing of trauma within the body and brain. Stated another way, tuning into where you feel acts as a traffic light of sorts to help you stop or slow down a traditional unhealthy response to stress, and be more able to choose a different course of action which has a greater more beneficial outcome.
Mayer, J.D., & Salovey, P. (1997). What is emotional intelligence? In P. Salovey&D. Sluyter (Eds.), Emotional development and emotional intelligence: Educational implications (pp. 3–31). New York: Basic Books.
Salovey, P. & Grewel, D. (2005). The Science of Emotional Intelligence. Current Directions in Psychological Science, Volume 14, Number 6, p. 281-285.