Emotional Intelligence

Daniel Goleman argues that scientific views of human intelligence, since the creation of the first Stanford - Binet IQ tests, have been far too narrow. Not only have the psychologist's tests of intellectual ability failed to measure aspects of character such as impulse control, persistence, zeal, motivation and social sensitivity, but they also fail to correlate with success in life - with rewarding relationships and accomplishments at work. Goleman believes impaired 'Emotional Intelligence', written into our brain circuitry following traumatic experience, can be overwritten through better child rearing practises, and emotional education. This can occur spontaineously over a period of time or be achieved through the medium of psychotherapy. Play in childhood, and art in the adult world, also provide arenas in which emotional intelligence can be developed. Goleman is a science journalist and writer who was educated at Harvard University, where he recieved his Ph.D. He covers the behaivoural and brain sciences for the New York Times and was formerly senior editor at Psychology Today. The Book of the mind Feel.org