Emotional Intelligence and Interpersonal Relations

TLDR

The authors investigated the relationship between emotional intelligence and interpersonal relations. They conducted seven studies to examine this link. Across all studies, higher emotional intelligence consistently predicted better empathic perspective taking, self‑monitoring, social skills, cooperation, close relationships, marital satisfaction, and anticipated relationship satisfaction.

Abstract

In 7 studies, the authors examined the link between emotional intelligence and interpersonal relations. In Studies 1 and 2, the participants with higher scores for emotional intelligence had higher scores for empathic perspective taking and self-monitoring in social situations. In Study 3, the participants with higher scores for emotional intelligence had higher scores for social skills. In Study 4, the participants with higher scores for emotional intelligence displayed more cooperative responses toward partners. In Study 5, the participants with higher scores for emotional intelligence had higher scores for close and affectionate relationships. In Study 6, the participants' scores for marital satisfaction were higher when they rated their marital partners higher for emotional intelligence. In Study 7, the participants anticipated greater satisfaction in relationships with partners described as having emotional intelligence.