Emotional intelligence: its importance today

The emotional intelligence It is a very recent discipline. Not long ago the management of emotions was an element that was not given too much importance in education. However, today, numerous theories have emerged that highlight the importance of emotions in the learning of our children.

At present, there are numerous studies and theories about emotional intelligence. Learning to manage emotions has become an essential element in the education of our children. But it has not always been this way. Not long ago, this was a subject that was quite unknown on a scientific and psychological level.

Begoña Ibarrola, an expert psychologist in Emotional Intelligence, highlights that a process of "literacy" related to emotional intelligence has been implemented. "There are more and more elements that can help us to understand the world of emotions, there are more and more books, research on neuroscience that provides information with very curious data, teachers interested in transmitting this is the classroom" he says.


This has happened because it has been discovered that emotional intelligence is key to learning, conditions it. Emotions direct attention, influence memory and motivation. "The whole field of neuroscience research is giving referendums and scientific support that demonstrate the importance of emotions today."

Where emotions arise

"Emotions are lived in the body," says Ibarrola. Feel an emotion it is something that is reflected both physically and mentally. In the first place, it is the body that detects, serves as a receiver and perceives the effects of an emotion. Even, physiological changes are generated that go beyond visible reactions such as crying or laughing. Every time we feel an emotion, for example, the composition of our blood changes.


Second, our mind identifies emotion, names it and regulates it. It is in this aspect that emotional intelligence intervenes, because it is at this level that we must learn to manage our emotions.

It is true that there are involuntary bodily reactions, which we can not control when we feel an emotion. But, as rational beings, we are able to understand the emotion and its cause, and determine what is the best way to act before it. This is something that "we can learn since we are very small, specifically from the age of three", highlights Ibarrola.

Studies on the brain

In the 1990s, a series of research on the brain began to be carried out, partly due to the interest generated by diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. In addition, the development of new technologies in the area of ​​medicine, allows a deeper study of the human mind.


From these investigations, one also begins to inquire into the more subjective world of emotions. Authors such as Coleman discover the importance of emotional intelligence and the social dimension of the person. These discoveries will motivate parents and educators to include emotional management in the education of their children and students.

Currently, studies related to the brain and emotional education are seen as usual. "Today we see in hospitals with normality how they put some electrodes and they can see if we have got a joke or not, simply because of my brain response," says Ibarrola.

Emotional intelligence for happiness

By opening a window to the brain and observing it, we have managed to obtain a series of tools to thoroughly understand emotional intelligence and rescue its importance for society. In the end, we have realized that being aware of our emotions allows us to build healthier brains. A healthier brain and mind will make us have a higher level of well-being and happiness.

Isabel López Vasquez

Video: What is Emotional Intelligence?


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