Understanding the Neurobiology of Emotional Intelligence: A Review

Abstract

Considerable interest and controversy has been devoted to the relatively new construct of Emotional Intelligence. Whilst research on EI has been growing rapidly, little is known about the complex biological processes that may underpin the construct. This chapter reviews the limited literature that exists on the neurobiology of EI and extends this area of knowledge by making theoretical linkages between neurobiological research associated with emotional processing and a model of emotional intelligence. Activation specific to Understanding Emotions appears to vary in accordance with the media by which it is presented, and may include the amygdala and frontal areas of the brain. Research into Using Emotion in Thought has shown that the emotion areas of the brain are activated and deactivated reciprocally with areas related to cognitive functioning, and the pre-frontal cortex and hippocampus are among the brain areas shown to influence how well we Manage Emotions. Theoretical linkages between a model of EI research and the neurobiology of emotion are needed to facilitate future research on this developing construct, particularly in the areas of the development of EI and deficits in EI clinical disorders.