Salovey And Mayer’s Theory Of Emotional Intelligence

Many people are interested in studying emotional intelligence and are curious about how it can help them control their emotions better. Despite its popularity, few people know the origins of this theory. It turns out that Salovey and Mayer’s theory of emotional intelligence was first published in a book in 1990. In this book, they discussed the definition of emotional intelligence and how it is articulated in our behavior and our minds.

At the time, Salovey was a professor at Yale University, while Mayer was a postdoctoral fellow. They researched and published many articles on the subject. Despite all the work, many people still attribute the concept to the loudest researcher, Daniel Goleman. He popularized Salovey and Mayer’s theory of emotional intelligence in 1996 when he published his book called Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ.

Daniel Goleman’s definition of emotional intelligence  is a little different from Salovey and Mayers. Consequently, there has been some confusion about the original theory.

Salovey and Mayer’s theory of emotional intelligence

According to their definition , the theory of emotional intelligence is the ability to process information about one’s own emotions and those of other people. It is also possible to use this information to guide your thoughts and behavior.

Thus, emotionally intelligent people show attention and understanding, and control their emotions. According to these two authors, a person must have four basic abilities in order to be categorized as emotionally intelligent:

• Ability to perceive and correctly express their feelings and those of others.
• The ability to use emotions in a way that facilitates thought.
• Ability to understand emotions, emotional language and emotional signals.
• The ability to control their emotions to achieve goals.

In this particular theory of emotional intelligence, each ability has four different stages. However, this process does not necessarily happen spontaneously. On the contrary, it usually requires a conscious effort.

Here are the four stages:

1. Correct emotional perception and expression

The first skill about emotional intelligence is to identify your own feelings and those of others. First of all, you should understand how you feel. This includes your thoughts as well as your feelings.

In the second stage, you get the opportunity to do the same with how others think and feel. For example, you can understand the feelings of others or the feelings expressed by a work of art.

In the third step, you get the opportunity to express your feelings correctly. Not only that, but you learn to communicate your needs.

In the fourth and final step, you get the opportunity to distinguish between correct and incorrect emotional expressions.

2. Emotional facilitation of thinking

In the first phase, emotions help you direct your thoughts to the most important information. At this stage you are not able to bring your own emotions.

During the second stage, your emotions begin to intensify so that you can identify them. As a result, you can use them to help you make decisions.

According to Salovey and Meyer, emotions affect your mood in the third phase. You can therefore consider different points of view in a particular topic.

Finally, in the fourth stage, your emotions help you to make good decisions and think more creatively.

3. Understanding emotions

First you get the opportunity to distinguish between basic emotions, and you learn to use the right words to describe them. Then this ability takes you one step further in order to put your emotions into your emotional state.

In the third step, you can interpret complex emotions. Finally, you get the ability to discover the transitions between emotions. For example, the transition from anger to shame or surprise to joy.

4. Emotional regulation for intellectual and emotional growth

To begin with, this ability requires your willingness not to limit the important role that your emotions actually play. This is much easier to achieve with positive emotions than negative emotions. During this step, you allow yourself to choose which emotions you want to identify with, whether they are useful or not.

In the previous step, you have the ability to study emotions. This would happen according to how influential, affordable or clear the emotions are. Finally, you will be able to regulate your emotions and those of others, moderate the negative ones and increase the positive ones.

Emotional intelligence: A practical ability

Salovey and Mayer’s theory of emotional intelligence does not come close to encompassing everything we now know about emotional intelligence. Yet it shows us something that was truly revolutionary at the time.

This theory is simple and easy to understand. As such, it is the perfect starting point if you are interested in diving deeper into the wonderful world of emotions.