Development of Emotional Intelligence: Towards a Multi-Level Investment Model

This paper examines the development of emotional intelligence (EI) in childhood. It is proposed that ambiguities in conceptualizing EI may be resolved by distinguishing multiple levels of emotion-regulation processes. Temperament, rule-based skill acquisition, and self-aware emotion regulation are d...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Human development 2003-03, Vol.46 (2/3), p.69-96
Main Authors: Zeidner, Moshe, Matthews, Gerald, Roberts, Richard D., MacCann, Carolyn
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Child development
Child psychology
Cognitive Development
Competence
Developmental psychology
Educational Change
Emotional development
Emotional Intelligence
Emotions
Environment
Genes
Human development
Intelligence
Literature reviews
Original Paper
Personality development
Psychology
Regulation
Skills
Socialisation
Socialization
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Summary:This paper examines the development of emotional intelligence (EI) in childhood. It is proposed that ambiguities in conceptualizing EI may be resolved by distinguishing multiple levels of emotion-regulation processes. Temperament, rule-based skill acquisition, and self-aware emotion regulation are differentiated as potential sources of individual differences. We review empirical studies that demonstrate multiple mechanisms linked to these levels. Temperament is shaped by genes, interacting with environmental influences such as patterns of infant-caregiver interaction. Early, language-dependent skill learning is governed by reinforcement and modeling processes. Subsequent, insightful learning is influenced by emotional discourse with parents and others, and cultural factors. Cognitive abilities may also influence individual differences in emotional function. At the same time, the biological and sociocultural factors that influence EI interact in complex and interrelated ways. We conclude this article by proposing a tentative ‘investment model’ for emotional competencies in children that accommodates the multifaceted nature of EI. Lower-level competencies may provide a platform for developing more sophisticated emotion-regulation skills, with competencies becoming increasingly differentiated over time.
ISSN:0018-716X
1423-0054
DOI:10.1159/000068580