ABSTRACT
The term emotional intelligence has had popular appeal in the last decade among professionals and laypeople alike. One reason appears to be the high regard for the concept of intelligence, as it is a desirable quality that is associated with power, expertise, and prestige. The conceptualization and measurement of intelligence has been an important focus in psychology for more than a century. The term emotional also has appeal in that emotions are inherent and central to psychosocial functioning, motivation, well-being, and life satisfaction. Emotions make up the fabric of relationships and are embedded to one degree or another in all interpersonal interactions. Emotions have been the subject of philosophical inquiry for many centuries, with alternating views on their importance and value (Solomon, 1993). To have the power and expertise about such a central human quality as emotions would understandably be desirable. The appeal of emotional intelligence, therefore, stems from its inherent relationship to adaptation and optimal social functioning.
