Bridges the gap between the scholarly literature and "pop-psych" books on EI

Emotional Intelligence (EI) has become a topic of vast and growing interest worldwide and is concerned with the ways in which we perceive, identify, understand, and manage emotions. It is an aspect of individual difference that can impact a number of important outcomes throughout a person's lifespan. Yet, until now there were no authoritative books that bridge the gap between scholarly articles on the subject, often published in obscure professional journals, and the kind of books found in the "pop-psych" sections of most large bookstores. This book fills that gap, addressing the key issues from birth through to old age, including the impact of EI on child development, social relationships, the workplace, and health. It is a useful introduction to the academic study of EI, including its history as a concept. Featuring contributions by an international team of EI researchers, this thought provoking and informative book offers students, educators, mental health professionals, and general readers a comprehensive, critical, and accessible introduction to state-of-the-art EI theory and research.

From the historical origins of EI to its contemporary applications across an array of domains, An Introduction to Emotional Intelligence explores what the research evidence tells us about it, why it is important, and how it is measured. Throughout each chapter any potentially tricky words or concepts are highlighted and explained. And, most chapters feature activities to spur further reflection on the subject matter covered as well as ideas on how to apply aspects of EI to various questions or problems arising in the readers' lives.

• Features contributions from expert authors from around the world with experience of researching and teaching EI theory and practice


• Makes EI concepts, foundations, research, and theory accessible to a wider audience of readers than ever before


• Explores EI's roots in psychological thinking dating back to early 20^th century and considers the reasons for its widespread popularity in contemporary times


• Reviews the latest research into the constructs of ability EI and trait EI and their validity in relation to health, wellbeing, social relationships, academic, and work performance

An Introduction to Emotional Intelligence is fascinating and informative reading and a source of practical insight for students of psychology, management and leadership, education, social work and healthcare, and those working in education, health settings and in psychological counseling professions.

DR. LORRAINE DACRE POOL is a Chartered Psychologist and Principal Lecturer at the Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, the University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK. She has a BA in Social Psychology, an MSc in Occupational/Organisational Psychology, and a PhD in Emotional Intelligence and Graduate Employability.

PAMELA QUALTER, PhD is Professor of Psychology for Education at Manchester Institute of Education, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK. She is one of the UK's leading experts in the field of child/adolescent loneliness and is an important researcher of social and emotional skills within education.

List of Contributors vii

List of Figures and Tables xi

Preface: Introduction by the Editors xii

Acknowledgments xvi

Chapter 1 Emotional Intelligence: A Brief Historical Introduction 1
Moshe Zeidner and Gerald Matthews

Chapter 2 Trait and Ability Conceptualizations of Emotional Intelligence 18
Elizabeth J. Austin

Chapter 3 Emotional Self-Efficacy 32
Nicola S. Schutte

Chapter 4 Measuring Emotional Intelligence 44
Luke E. R. Brown, Pamela Qualter, and Carolyn MacCann

Chapter 5 An Overview of Emotional Intelligence in Early Childhood 64
Craig S. Bailey and Susan E. Rivers

Chapter 6 Emotional Intelligence and Emotional Education in the School Years 81
Juan-Carlos Pérez-González and Pamela Qualter

Chapter 7 Emotional Intelligence in Adolescence and Early Adulthood 105
Sarah K. Davis

Chapter 8 Emotional Intelligence in Higher Education 123
Debbie J. Pope and Lorraine Dacre Pool

Chapter 9 Emotional Intelligence and the Workplace 136
Lorraine Dacre Pool

Chapter 10 Emotional Intelligence for Health Care Professions - Professional Compathy 149
Theo Stickley and Dawn Freshwater

Chapter 11 Emotional Intelligence, Stress, and Health: When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Turn to Emotions 161
Kateryna V. Keefer, Donald H. Saklofske, and James D. A. Parker

Chapter 12 Emotional Intelligence and Ageing 184
Pamela Qualter and Maria Gallagher

References 193

Index 241