Introduction

The development of emotional intelligence (EI) in adolescence is presented in methodical, organized instruction. Education in the constructive directing of emotions, or affective education, aligns both with adolescent developmental tasks and with what cognitive science reveals about brain neuroplasticity. Chapters present both didactic narratives and multiple, teen-centered activities for participating educators, who may include health teacher, school counselor, school psychologist, and collaborating teachers. An initial unit introducing an overview of emotions is followed by units on the nature of anger, fear, grief, and guilt. Often called negative emotions, these are the most challenging, uncomfortable emotions that negate resiliency and may lead to anxiety, bullying, depression, and teen suicide. Specific tools offered include an anger management plan protocol, the A, B, Cs of constructive emotional engagement, ¹ a conflict resolution format, suggestions for bulletin boards as teaching tools, charts and diagrams of the emotive process, and tips in bold type that convey a caring emotive approach. Language usage is designated foundational in moving away from terms like “stress management” and “controlling emotions” into an active mode of constructively embracing and handling emotions intelligently.