ISSN: 2222-6990
Open access
Emotional Intelligence (EI) has emerged as a critical construct in understanding human behaviour and enhancing personal and professional outcomes. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the historical development, theoretical models, and assessment approaches of EI, exploring its significance and practical applications across various domains. Tracing its evolution from early concepts of social intelligence introduced by Edward Thorndike to contemporary models developed by scholars such as Salovey and Mayer, Goleman, and Bar-On, the paper analyses the strengths and limitations of the ability, mixed, and trait-based frameworks of EI. Furthermore, the study examines the diverse methods used to assess EI, including performance-based tests, self-report measures, and 360-degree evaluations, highlighting their reliability and cross-cultural applicability. The findings underscore that EI is instrumental in fostering leadership effectiveness, improving workplace dynamics, enhancing academic success, and promoting mental well-being. In professional settings, EI contributes to better decision-making, conflict resolution, and team collaboration, while in education, it facilitates resilience, emotional regulation, and academic engagement. Despite its growing importance, challenges remain in standardising EI assessment and integrating a unified theoretical framework. By synthesising theoretical perspectives and measurement approaches, this review contributes to a deeper understanding of EI and provides a framework for its practical implementation in diverse contexts.
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