What is an Emotional Quotient?

The Emotional Quotient is an estimate of emotional intelligence, i.e. the ability to control your emotions, to perceive those of others, and to use this information to motivate, plan and fulfill your life. Research has shown that individuals who have a high level of emotional intelligence are happier, enjoy life more and experience more personal and professional successes.

Psychological Foundations

Numerous works in neurology and psychology have shown the difference between cognitive thinking (intellect) and emotional intelligence (affect). They have shown that the rational brain is not located in the same place as the emotional brain. While the rational brain (located in the neocortex and located in the frontal lobes) contains our capacity for reflection and perception, the emotional brain (located in the subcortical areas and located in the amygdala and associated neural circuits) controls our emotions (fear, anger, sadness, joy, etc.). In general, the frontal lobes, the seat of the rational brain, control the impulses of the amygdala, which responds to sensations or impulses and not to reason. But in a state of emergency (danger, anger, anxiety, etc.), the emotional brain inhibits the rational brain and takes over. People with high emotional intelligence have skills in the following four areas: identifying, using, understanding and adjusting emotions. In fact, the balance of these opposing tendencies not only regulates their behaviour but also determines the quality of their thoughts and decisions.

Historical Foundations

The first to formulate a theory of emotional intelligence were two American academics, Peter Salovey and John Mayer, who defined the concept in 1990 as "the ability to perceive and express emotions, to integrate them to facilitate thinking, to understand and reason with emotions, and to regulate emotions in oneself and in others". This notion would gain in popularity with Daniel Goleman and exceed the Intellectual Quotient (IQ) as a measure of intelligence. Goleman, an American psychologist and writer, states that the virtues of emotional intelligence apply to both relationships and career success. Goleman's research also proves that two of the three most critical skills for career success are confidence, adaptability and the ability to cooperate. The idea that emotional intelligence can be developed and trained also contributes to its popularity. The American psychologist Reuven Bar-On developed one of the first measures of emotional intelligence using the term "emotional quotient", the "Bar-On EQ-i". EQ is then calculated on five scales: intrapersonal, interpersonal, adaptability, stress management and general mood. It assumes that people with an above-average EQ are generally better able to cope with the demands and pressures of the environment. Unlike IQ, EQ is something that can be worked on and developed: it is possible to improve your level of emotional intelligence through training and therapy.

How to measure the emotional quotient?

Emotional skills can be identified and measured through EQ tests. These tests are increasingly used by companies, either in recruitment (to assess the candidate's ability to concentrate, control feelings, emotions and ability to manage relationships with others), or in internal evaluation (to raise awareness among employees, managers and help them progress). Would you like to assess your emotional abilities?

The Emotional Intelligence Test will allow you to know yourself better in order to better manage your emotions, develop your self-confidence and succeed in life.