Emotional Development And Emotional Intelligence

Educational Implications
by Peter Salovey

Jun 11, 1997
Hardcover
US $53.00
CAN $63.95
UK £30.99
ISBN: 9780465095872
ISBN-10: 0465095879
Published by Basic Books

 

Description

In recent years, innovative schools have developed courses in what has been termed emotional literacy, emotional intelligence, or emotional competence. This volume evaluates these developments scientifically, pairing the perspectives of psychologists with those of educators who offer valuable commentary on the latest research. It is an authoritative study that describes the scientific basis for our knowledge about emotion as it relates specifically to children, the classroom environment, and emotional literacy. Key topics include:

  • historical perspectives on emotional intelligence
  • neurological bases for emotional development
  • the development of social skills and childhood socialization of emotion.
    • Experts in psychology and education have long viewed thinking and feeling as polar opposites reason on the one hand, and passion on the other. And emotion, often labeled as chaotic, haphazard, and immature, has not traditionally been seen as assisting reason. All that changed in 1990, when Peter Salovey and John D. Mayer coined the term emotional intelligence as a challenge to the belief that intelligence is not based on processing emotion-laden information. Salovey and Mayer defined emotional intelligence as the ability to monitor one’s own and others’ feelings and emotions, to discriminate among them, and to use motivated scientists, educators, parents, and many others to consider the ways in which emotions themselves comprise an intelligent system. With this groundbreaking volume, invited contributors present cutting-edge research on emotions and emotional development in a manner useful to educators, psychologists, and anyone interested in the unfolding of emotions during childhood. In recent years, innovative schools have developed courses in “emotional literacy” that making; these classes teach children how to understand and manage their feelings and how to get along with one another. Many such programs have achieved national prominence, and preliminary scientific evaluations have shown promising results. Until recently, however, there has been little contact between educators developing these types of programs and psychologists studying the neurological underpinnings and development of human emotions. This unique book links theory and practice by juxtaposing scientific explanations of emotion with short commentaries from educators who elaborate on how these advances can be put to use in the classroom. Accessible and enlightening, Emotional Development and Emotional Intelligence provides ample evidence about emotional intelligence as well as sound information on the potential efficacy of educational programs based on this idea.

    Reviews


    “A treasure trove of information about the state of research in emotional intelligence and its real-life implications and applications in education. An invaluable resource for scholars and teachers alike.”
    — Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D., co-author of Everyday Blessings: The Inner Work of Mindful Parenting

    “An exciting and unusual book. Exciting because leading scholars have summarized significant advances in basic research on emotional development and discuss their relevance for teaching children about emotions, self-regulation, and conflict-reducing social skills in the schools. Unusual in that school administrators and teachers provide commentary on each chapter’s implication for education. A rich resource for those concerned with children’s emotional well-being and social relationships.”
    — Carroll E. Izard, Ph.D.,, author of The Psychology of Emotions

    “A splendid resource.… The research reports are full of rich ore, while the interpretations extract the gold and make it available to busy teachers. Peter Salovey and David Sluyter deserve our thanks for producing a superb volume, one in which teachers and learners of every sort will find valuable guidance.”
    — Parker J. Palmer, author of To Know As We Are Known: Education as a Spiritual Journey

    “This book does immense service by defining, refining, and deepening the concept of emotional intelligence. It argues persuasively that social competence can be taught and learned. The individual chapters are well documented and provide a well-grounded scaffolding of theory. This book’s message could not come out at a more appropriate time.”
    — Joel Elkes, Johns Hopkins University

    “This unique, boundary-spanning book is essential reading for both researchers and educators who aspire to foster the positive social and emotional development of children. This powerful blending of science and practice will strengthen the quality of an important, international educational movement.”
    — Roger P. Weissber, University of Illinois

    “This is perhaps the most important book in education in the last two decades. The pairing of researchers and educators provides insights that are profound, yet grounded. Rarely have research, educational practice, and common sense been merged in such a stimulating and engaging way. Every chapter will lead those who are concerned with understanding children and enhancing their social and emotional learning to think about what they do and how they do it.”
    — Maurice Elias, Rutgers University

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