At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.
What is an Emotional Quotient (EQ)?
Emotional quotient (EQ), also called emotional intelligence quotient, is a measurement of a person's ability to monitor his or her emotions, to cope with pressures and demands, and to control his or her thoughts and actions. The ability to assess and affect situations and relationships with other people also plays a role in emotional intelligence. This measurement is intended to be a tool that is similar to intelligence quotient (IQ), which is a measurement of a person's intellect. There is much debate surrounding the legitimacy of EQ, however, primarily because there is no standard of measurement.
History
Although research into this concept had been performed since at least the 1800s, the terms "emotional quotient" and "emotional intelligence" did not become popular until the 1980s, when psychologists Peter Salovey of Yale and John Mayer of the University of New Hampshire began conducting research into it. The concept was further popularized by Daniel Goleman, another well-respected psychologist who wrote many books on the subject and has served as co-chair of The Consortium for Research on Emotional Intelligence in Organizations. Although these and many other psychology experts view emotional intelligence measurements as scientifically valuable studies of social behavior and relationships, the science behind these measurements are often questioned.
Measurement
A person’s EQ can be measured using any of various assessments, including one developed by Salovey and Mayer. Some assessments use self-given responses, and others are based on peer-given responses. Although a single test might give some insight into a person’s personality and psychological make-up, discovering the true value of EQ and its relationship to and impact on a person’s life might take years and multiple studies.
Uses
Measurements of people's emotional intelligence quotients are used in many settings. The idea is very popular in the corporate world, where many businesses use EQ tests to help their employees determine and measure their emotional responses to various situations. Most such tests are administered with the idea that this factor can be modified or increased, but there is dispute about whether a person's emotional intelligence is something he or she is born with or if it can be changed.
Application
Studies have been done on possible ways that a high or low EQ might affect a person’s abilities to perform under pressure, resolve conflict, and cope with challenges. For example, someone who has a low EQ might lack self-confidence and be pessimistic, both of which might affect his or her performance when doing certain tasks. People who are not proponents of the concept believe that things such as confidence, self-esteem and attitude are simply a matter of personality, which cannot be measured or modified. Other studies have linked this measurement to communication skills and other social skills that people either lack or possess.
AS FEATURED ON:
AS FEATURED ON:
-
![Corporations might employ emotional intelligence measurement tests to help determine how someone might handle a variety of situations.]()
By: Monkey BusinessCorporations might employ emotional intelligence measurement tests to help determine how someone might handle a variety of situations. -
![Various measurements help determine how well a person manages emotions.]()
By: ollyVarious measurements help determine how well a person manages emotions. -
![People with low EQ may be unable to control their emotions.]()
By: Linda MorePeople with low EQ may be unable to control their emotions. -
![An individual with mild cognitive and developmental disabilities may have a low IQ but a high EQ.]()
By: Miriam DörrAn individual with mild cognitive and developmental disabilities may have a low IQ but a high EQ. -
![Someone with a low emotional quotient often has troubles with self-esteem.]()
By: TattySomeone with a low emotional quotient often has troubles with self-esteem. -
![Someone with a high emotional quotient might be unaffected by bullying.]()
By: grafikplusfotoSomeone with a high emotional quotient might be unaffected by bullying.
Discussion Comments
How does EQ or IQ help one's surrounding personality and what are its positive and negative effects on one's life?
Why is it necessary to know about one's own EQ?
I'm a BS Computer Science student from Pamantasan ng Cabuyao. I just want to share what I learned from my General Psychology subject.
Chronological Age: This is the actual age of a child.
Mental Age: The mental ability of a child.
You can also determine what is the mental age of a child without the use of the traditional formula for that. You can just simply perform some tests.
For example: A 4-year old child was given an examination with questions for a 7-year old child. If the 4-year old child passed the test, and could answer accurately, then the mental age of the 4-year old child is seven years old, whereas, the chronological age is, of course, still four years old.
Thanks for your devotion to share the knowledge you have acquired in order to benefit others. My question is what do you mean by mental age? Would you tell me about the difference between mental and chronological age? The question might be too elementary but forgive me for I'm not a science student. --Yiheyis
What good is an EQ test when someone with even rudimentary intelligence and an understanding of human nature will allow you to answer the EQ tests easily and be undetectable when you have lied your way through it?
Comments of Lara, founder of Ultimate Lifestyle Projects are excellent. Anirudh
It is wonderful that we are finally moving away from a sole focus on IQ and becoming more balanced by turning our awareness to both Emotional Quotient and Spiritual Quotient.
Lara, Founder of the Ultimate Lifestyle Project
Deepak Chopra has given a formula of spiritual quotient in terms of Deed (D) and Ego (E). According to Deepak Chopra S.Q.=D/E. According to him if E is ‘zero’ the S.Q. will be infinite.
This appears to be very fascinating but it is highly abstract which cannot be measured experimentally accurately and precisely. However, this formula has immense value to understand S.Q.
I (Anirudh)have also discovered a mathematical relationship for S.Q about eight years back in 2001. I have used physiological parameters which can be measured accurately and precisely and can be tested and verified experimentally. According to this formula S.Q. can be expressed as the ratio of parasympathetic dominance (P.D.) to sympathetic dominance (S.D.).
Parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) and sympathetic nervous system (SNS) are the two parts of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) which is largely under hypothalamic control. Hypothalamus is situated very close to the Sixth Chakra. During practice of meditation at Sixth Chakra these centres are galvanised which has a very positive effect on practitioners spiritual, emotional, psychological and physical well being.
how do you practice emotional intelligence?
Can E.Q. be said that it's about how we react and handle a situation when we encounter a problem?
How is IQ helpful in the field of academics?
For a quotient there should be at least some mathematical relationship as I have posted in my various previous comments.
There may be many meanings of wisdom but here I have used mainly as the ability to discriminate between right and wrong. Those who possess certain degree of positive emotions can do this.
Yes, I.Q. along with wisdom factor is directly proportional to E.Q. Thanks for query
Yes. I.Q. is directly proportional to E.Q. along with wisdom factor. A wise man can always be an intelligent man but an intelligent man can not always be said a wise man. Intelligent person with some positive emotions can be termed as wise. A person scoring high on I.Q. scale but lacking positive emotions may turn autocrat whereas a wise man will always be a democrat who loves others existence.
hello, I have a question here, is IQ directly proportional to EQ? thanks!
I.Q. = Mental age/chronological age x 100
(Wilhelm Stern)
E.Q. = I.Q. x Wisdom
(Anirudh Kumar Satsangi)
S.Q. = Parasympathetic dominance/Sympathetic dominance
(Anirudh Kumar Satsangi)
S.Q. leverages both E.Q. and I.Q.
E.Q. = I.Q. X wisdom
Emotional Quotient is the function of Intelligence Quotient and Wisdom
It is the "gold rush" of human enrichment, I suppose. It is amazing to see people improved their relationship as soon as they learn and apply the principles of Emotional Intelligence presented by Goleman and other earlier proponents.
Hey, I like this stuff about E.Q. Hoping that it would have roots to human studies. Excellent observations and motivations can be sprouted from this type human intelligence.
I wish that we didn't talk quite so much about IQ and instead talked about various forms of intelligence, because people do have many different types of intelligence and it really isn't fair to judge everyone as if we all functioned in the same way.
Post your comments