Emotional Intelligence and Clinical Disorders

Abstract

The topic of emotional intelligence (EI) has generated a great deal of interest in both researchers and mental health professionals as it offers a new perspective in the study of emotions and disorders of emotion. While historically emotions were thought to interfere with cognitive processing, it is now acknowledged that, when managed appropriately, emotions can provide essential information about how to solve daily problems. From this perspective, the intelligent use of emotions is considered essential for psychological adaptation (Mayer & Salovey, 1997; Salovey, Bedell, Detweiler, & Mayer, 1999; Salovey, Mayer, Goldman, Turvey, & Palfai, 1995).