People are often times categorized as having either high or low emotional intelligence (EI). These categories seem very definitive, but they’re not quite that simple. In fact, there is no formal definition of what makes up-leveled EI. What we can say about this ability is that it plays an important role in social interactions, mood regulation, and understanding emotions.

There are several theories about why people who score higher on measures of EI also tend to be described as having “personality traits” such as extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. But none of these theories have been empirically validated.

That means we don’t know if being more emotionally intelligent actually causes someone to show certain personality characteristics, or if people with those characteristics are drawn to individuals who are highly intelligent. The theory that has gathered the most empirical support says that both emotional intelligence and personality are influenced by shared biological factors.

In other words, people with higher levels of emotional intelligence may possess some physical features that help them relate to others, while people with different personalities likely have different physical features that influence how they perceive and react to things.

Relationship between emotional intelligence and personality

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Over the past few years, there has been an explosion of interest in what is now referred to as “emotional literacy or intelligences.” These concepts were first introduced by Daniel Goleman back in 1995 when he published his best-selling book What Is Emotional Intelligence?

Since then, many other experts have proposed additional types of emotional intelligence. This includes research done by Peter Salovey at Yale University, who coined the term "emotional quotient" (EQ) in 2004, and John Mayer, psychiatrist and psychologist from Harvard Medical School, who developed the term "intrapersonal competence" in 2010.

Overall, these terms refer to someone's ability to understand their emotions and regulate them accordingly. We can all show some level of emotional intelligence, but it depends on our individual skills we possess.

Emotional intelligence varies across individuals. Some people are more skilled at recognizing and understanding others' emotions while controlling ones own emotions is also important. It was mentioned earlier that you cannot take EQ tests because they are not validated yet, but researchers do know something about how different levels of EQ relate to other traits.

A person with high levels of empathy tend to be honest, hardworking, and loyal. They are likely to enjoy helping others and being helped themselves. In contrast, people who are less empathic may use tact instead of honesty, for example, by concealing their true feelings to keep someone else happy.

The five emotional intelligence factors

People with high emotional quotients (EQ) show higher levels of empathy, self-awareness, and control over their emotions. They are also more likely to be happier than people who are less skilled in managing their emotions.

Research has shown that EQ is related to another important personality trait: agreeableness. This is a tendency to take a positive view of other people and to want to work with others rather than compete with them.

Some theories suggest that having high EQ helps you understand what makes someone else feel unhappy or angry, which can help you identify the cause of these feelings and avoid making the same mistake again.

Other theories believe that developing your emotional skills comes naturally because you are born with some level of emotion regulation.

The seven personality traits

Consistently showing high levels of emotional control, self-awareness, and understanding of other people’s emotions are some markers of higher EQ. These are sometimes referred to as “intrapersonal skills” because they apply within yourself.

Other intrapersonal skills include using time effectively, being able to manage your stress, practicing mindfulness, and knowing how to set priorities. All of these help you regulate your own mental state and contribute to overall wellness.

Interpersonal or “extrapersonal” skills involve learning how to relate to others. This includes having patience with others, being able to work well in groups, and understanding why someone might say or do something that seems rude or hurtful.

Having strong interpersonal skills is an important part of living a happy life. But remember, just like with intrapersonal skills, too much dependence on external sources of praise can reduce motivation to strive for more. You need both internalized rewards as well as recognition from outside sources.

Emotional intelligence – or EQ — is a combination of these different sets of skills.

Linking emotional intelligence and personality

There are two main theories about how emotions relate to personality. The first is that people with higher emotional intelligence are more likely to use their feelings productively, which helps them control their own emotions and understand others’.

The second theory states that people who feel many strong emotions are actually healthier than individuals who do not. This is because strong emotions can motivate you to take action or achieve your goals.

There are several reasons why this might be so. First, strong emotions help remind you of things such as deadlines or what needs to get done. Second, strong emotions can inspire motivation or action towards your goal.

Third, some studies suggest that experiencing lots of different emotions makes us happier because they reduce internal stress.

With all these possible benefits, it seems logical to believe that having stronger emotions is linked to healthy mental health. However, there are times when too much emotion can be detrimental to your overall well-being.

Emotions may also have an indirect effect on psychological wellness by influencing someone else’s behavior toward you. For example, if you constantly show signs of anger, other people may avoid you or even perceive you as dangerous.

Sufficiently high levels of empathy could potentially make you feel uncomfortable since you would want to know what feeling those around you are going through. All of these effects could contribute to lower self-confidence and happiness.

Emotional intelligence and self-awareness

A related concept is that of emotional intelligence (EI). This was first described in Daniel Goleman’s bestseller, “Emotional Intelligence.” He defined it as the ability to recognize our own emotions and those of others, along with the effectiveness of emotion for solving problems.

Some researchers believe this more comprehensive definition makes EI seem less tied to personality. After all, if you do not know your own feelings then it can be difficult to identify them, let alone those of someone else!

However, research does show that people who are higher in EI also tend to have certain personalities. For example, there are studies which suggest that people who are high in empathy are often called ‘soft thinkers�’ or 'introverts.' On the other hand, individuals who are very good at recognizing and controlling their emotions are sometimes referred to as having an ‘aggressive’ personality type.

Emotional intelligence and self-control

A separate area of research in emotional intelligence is called “emotional regulation.” This focuses on how well you are able to control your emotions when they arise.

Studies have shown that people who use more effective ways to regulate their own emotions are also better at controlling their behavior and feelings towards other people.

They are less likely to get angry or irritated with others, for example, and are usually happier than those who suffer from poor emotion regulation.

There are several theories about why having good skills in this area makes it easier to put off acting on aggressive impulses, but one theory suggests that it is because people who are good at regulating their emotions don’t feel strong urges to behave aggressively.

Alternatively, they may be less motivated to act on such behaviors because they don’t want to hurt someone else, or fear what might happen if they do. Either way, they aren’t as likely to engage in harmful actions.

Emotional intelligence and sociability

There is a myth that emotional intelligence (EI) can be trained like other skills, such as reading or writing. While some believe this theory, it is not supported by research.

Many people claim that you can develop your EI through training. These theories are sometimes referred to as ‘emotional literacy’ or ‘self-management’.

However, no reputable source claims that these concepts work. In fact, they are in direct contrast with the way most experts define emotionally intelligent individuals.

This definition does not include self-control as a key factor. Instead, it focuses on how someone perceives and reacts to situations. This includes understanding one's own emotions, as well as those of others.

By thinking about ways to improve your emotional regulation, you may be focusing on the wrong thing. Because it has nothing do with being able to control your feelings, nor do we recommend trying to train them directly! That would just make you feel more stressed out.

Instead, think about what activities you enjoy doing and see if there are any opportunities to add in more social interactions or groups that share your passion. Or maybe you could start practicing yoga or meditation, which have been shown to help reduce stress and increase happiness.

Importance of relationships

We all know that having close friendships is important for our wellbeing.

Emotional intelligence and motivation

Recent research suggests that there is a link between emotional quotient (EQ) and personality traits. Consistently high levels of EQ are linked with higher levels of other qualities such as empathy, optimism, and socialization. People who have high levels of these other qualities are more likely to be motivated by others rather than only for themselves.

Personality psychologists refer to this as being “other-oriented” or having an “introverted sense of self.” This is because you feel energized when you spend time developing relationships and interacting with people. You may even enjoy acting like someone else for a while!

However, it can become boring if you never get a chance to switch things up. You may also find yourself wanting to keep emotions contained due to how uncomfortable they make you.

Overall, being emotionally intelligent means being able to recognize your own feelings and those of others, knowing what triggers emotions, and changing your behavior to better regulate your emotions.