Emotional Intelligence Linked to Ultimate Success: Study

A new study has revealed that although analytical and technical skills may serve as a minimum requirement for success, it is emotional intelligence (EI) that is often the attribute that distinguishes outstanding performers from average performers. Chris Moser, Ed.D., assistant professor in the College of Education, and Cheri Hampton-Farmer, Ph.D., assistant professor and chair of communication, recently surveyed black belt martial artists to assess their emotional intelligence (EI), as compared to the general population.

The study aimed to determine whether black belt martial artists possess higher levels of EI than the general population and to identify those specific emotional quotient subscales that appear to contribute to their success in the martial arts.

Utilizing the BarOn EQ-i assessment, the researchers investigated the emotional intelligence of 77 adults who held a rank of first-degree black belt or higher and found the black belt group possessed a higher than average total emotional quotient (EQ) than found in the general population and scored higher on all 15 EI subscales.

"When individuals have developed good interpersonal skills, they are able to manage conflict by selecting an appropriate response that achieves a peaceful and equitable solution, another attribute," Moser said.

Moser explained that "in the martial arts, there are specific values, or tenets, that are part of any martial arts discipline. Participants are expected to adhere to those. Similarly, in an organization, each person is expected to adhere to that organization's values."

The study was presented at the Center for Scholastic Inquiry International Academic Research Conference in Scottsdale.

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Source-ANI