Title: Emotional intelligence - a constructive instrument in the toolbox of life. Discussion on the challenge faced by children, parents and society in the UK and how emotional intelligence can help face life's challenges.
Authors: Dr Phillip Walden Bowen
Volume: 9
Issue: 3
Pages: 449-462
Publication Date: 2025/03/28
Abstract:
This article reflects on the key role that emotional intelligence can play in supporting the challenges children, parents and society may face in the UK while adding a little more to existing literature. The UK is found to have the lowest percentage of young people (15-19) in further education and has one of the highest percentages of alcohol abuse. Between 2019 and 2023, school absences rise by 50%, while 20% of children are persistently absent. Reasons for absence include bullying, poor relationships with peers or teachers, family problems, language barriers or poverty. These challenges can be described as passion killers. They are things experienced and/ or people. These passion killers can kill creativity, commitment, aspiration, intra and interpersonal relationships, communication, respect and understanding. They can also impose feelings of acute and chronic stress. Together with feelings of stress, negative emotions can often appear (for example, fear, anxiety, anger, dread, sadness, frustration) that can impact upon long term mood, feelings and well-being. Furthermore, children may feel socially isolated and lack confidence. These feelings and emotions can accompany the child into adulthood and manifest themselves both physically and psychologically. It is, therefore, important to recognize that the way people feel later in life is formed very early on through emotions, evaluation of others and words. This journal article recommends that each child be given access to training and development in skills in emotional intelligence that is embedded into the school curriculum. Emotional intelligence is to understand one's own emotions, emotions in others and the ability to manage the emotions accordingly. Whereas developing skills in emotional intelligence is not a panacea for all the many challenges faced, it can help the child develop trust towards members of their class, improve communication skills, enhance self-esteem, accept personal responsibility for actions and thoughts, appreciate learning styles and behavioral patterns and help them focus on choosing positive emotions that can underpin personal identity, purpose and reason of being. It can also help provide direction to oneself and others. This can be extended to parents, and to the wider public, reinforcing positive emotions and values beyond the classroom. It should be considered as a constructive instrument in the toolbox of life.