Discovering the 3 Main Models of Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence, or EI, is the capacity to be aware of, manage, and express one’s emotions, as well as handle interpersonal relationships empathetically and intelligently. EI has become an increasingly important concept in the modern workplace, as studies have shown that individuals with higher levels of emotional intelligence have greater success in both personal and professional pursuits.

There are three main models of emotional intelligence that have been developed over the years: the ability model, the trait model, and the mixed model. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at each of these models and explore how they differ from one another.

The ability model of EI focuses on an individual’s cognitive ability to perceive and understand emotions, as well as use that understanding to inform their thinking and behavior. This model emphasizes the ability to recognize emotions in oneself and others, the ability to use emotions to guide thought and actions, and the ability to manage emotions in oneself and others. Essentially, the ability model views emotional intelligence as a set of skills that can be learned and developed over time through practice and training.

The trait model of EI, on the other hand, views emotional intelligence as a combination of inherent personality traits, such as optimism, self-awareness, and social skills. According to this model, individuals are born with certain emotional intelligence traits that are either present or not present, and these traits largely determine how they interact with others and handle emotionally charged situations. While the trait model acknowledges that emotional intelligence can be developed to some extent, it places more emphasis on innate qualities and does not view emotional intelligence as a set of learnable skills.

Finally, the mixed model of EI takes a more holistic view, combining elements of both the ability and trait models. This approach recognizes that emotional intelligence is a complex combination of cognitive, affective, and behavioral competencies that interacts with other personality factors and can be developed through deliberate effort and practice. The mixed model puts forth five key components of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. By developing these five components, individuals can improve their overall emotional intelligence and enhance their personal and professional relationships.

Ultimately, the three models of emotional intelligence offer different perspectives on what emotional intelligence is and how it can be developed. While the ability model focuses on learnable skills, the trait model emphasizes innate qualities, and the mixed model takes a more holistic approach. By understanding these models and their differences, individuals can gain a clearer sense of what emotional intelligence entails and how they can work to enhance their own emotional intelligence skills. With effort and dedication, anyone can improve their emotional intelligence and enjoy greater success in all areas of their life.