Book Review: Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ

This book review is part of a series that covers the topic of Emotional Intelligence. Emotional Intelligence is an ability, capacity, or skill to perceive, assess, and manage the emotions of one's self, of others, and of groups. Emotional Intelligence is often measured as an Emotional Intelligence Quotient or EQ. Reldan S. Nadler, Psy.D. is the Official Guide to Emotional Intelligence.nnEmotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ, by Daniel Goleman, is a valuable resource for people interested in Emotional Intelligence, and it is available through Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.nnPublishers WeeklynThis international #1 bestseller, which spent a year on PW's list, explains why EI can be more important than IQ. (July) nnLibrary JournalnScientific data emerging from studies using new brain imaging technologies have yielded fresh understanding of how emotions work and, argues the author, suggest ways to regulate the more negative emotions responsible for the horrendous acts of violence that are the stuff of daily headlines. The book calls for universal adoption of educational curricula that teach youngsters how to regulate their emotional responses and to resolve conflict peacefully. Along the way Goleman summarizes much of the best psychological work of the last few decades on such topics as the importance of learned optimism, the theory of multiple intelligences, the role of innate temperamental differences, and the importance of emotional intelligence in marriage, management, and medicine. Based on good empirical data (unlike many popular psychology books), this fine example is recommended for academic and larger public libraries.Mary Ann Hughes, Neill P.L., Pullman, Wash. nnBooknewsnGoleman, psychologist and science writer for The New York Times, explains how the rational and emotional work together to shape intelligence, using intriguing new information from neuroscience and psychology of the brain. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com) nnAbout the AuthornDaniel Goleman, Ph.D., is founder of Emotional Intelligence Services in Boston, Massachusetts. For twelve years he covered the behavioral and brain sciences for the The New York Times, and has also taught at Harvard (where he received his doctorate). In addition to Emotional Intelligence, his previous books include Vital Lies, Simple Truths; The Meditative Mind; and, as co-author, The Creative Spirit.