As the understanding of human psychology evolves, the importance of emotional intelligence is more broadly recognized as a vital factor in personal and professional success. One way to gauge an individual's emotional intelligence is through tests that assess their ability to identify, comprehend, and manage their own and others' emotions. Each emotional intelligence test score has a specific interpretation, meaning that varies with the context and the specific test used. Understanding the meaning behind these scores can help individuals better understand themselves and improve their relationships and productivity.
What is Emotional Intelligence?
Emotional intelligence, or EI, encompasses the capacity to recognize your own emotions and those of others. It includes the ability to decipher between different feelings and label them accurately. Moreover, EI drives your ability to handle interpersonal relationships and navigate the emotional dynamics of social interactions.
There are five primary components of emotional intelligence as defined by psychologist and EI pioneer, Daniel Goleman. These components are:
- Self-awareness: Recognizing and understanding personal moods and emotions.
- Self-regulation: The ability to control or redirect disruptive moods or impulses.
- Internal (personal) motivation: Having a passion for work for its own sake, enjoying a pursuit and having a ‘flow.'
- Empathy: Understanding the emotions of others.
- Social skills: Proficiency in managing relationships, building networks, and understanding social situations.
Thus, emotional intelligence tests typically focus on these five areas, providing a score that interprets one's capacity for each component and offering an overall EI interpretation.
How are Emotional Intelligence Test Scores Defined?
When you complete an emotional intelligence test, your responses are measured and averaged to determine an overall score. Most tests use a scale score ranging between 0 to 100, with the average score being 50. A higher score reflects a higher level of emotional intelligence.
It's important to note that many emotional intelligence tests, including the popular Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT), provide scores across several different dimensions, reflecting the multi-faceted nature of emotional intelligence. Test-takers will receive an overall score, but they will also see how they performed in each of the five areas of emotional intelligence.
Interpreting Emotional Intelligence Test Scores
Interpreting emotional intelligence test scores can offer insightful knowledge about your strengths and areas for improvement. Here's a glimpse at what the scores generally signify:
Score of 70 or above: Above average emotional intelligence. These individuals have a substantial understanding and control over their emotions. They typically have strong communication skills, are adept at problem-solving and have a high level of self-confidence.
Score around 50: This signifies an average level of emotional intelligence. Most people fall within this range. An individual with this score possesses a standard comprehension of their emotions but might need to develop their abilities in managing those emotions and improving their social skills.
Score lower than 30: Below average emotional intelligence. Individuals with these scores might find it challenging to understand and manage their emotions. They may struggle with forming relationships or navigating social situations.
It's crucial to remember that these scores are not definitive; they're merely pointing out areas that may require further attention and growth.
How to Use Your Emotional Intelligence Test Scores
Interpreting your emotional intelligence test scores allows you to understand your emotional capabilities better and how they potentially impact different areas of your life. Here are a few ways to use your EI test score productively:
Self-improvement: By understanding your strengths and weaknesses in emotional intelligence, you can work towards improving areas where your EI is lacking. For instance, if you scored low on empathy, you may need to work on being more understanding and receptive to other's feelings.
Career development: Many employers now recognize the importance of emotional intelligence in the workplace. Increasing your EI score could prove beneficial in different professional environments. For instance, if you struggle with self-regulation, working on this might improve your ability to remain calm and composed in stressful work situations.
Relationship building: Higher EI scores often translate to healthier relationships as these individuals have a better understanding of emotions. If your social skills are lower than you'd like, focusing on this area can help improve your current relationships and help you form new ones.
Decision-making: Your ability to make decisions, especially under pressure, may be influenced by your level of emotional intelligence. If you have a higher EI, you're more likely to make rational decisions without letting your emotions take control.
The interpretation of your emotional intelligence test score can provide valuable insights into understanding your ability to cope with your emotions and those of others, which in turn can affect your personal development, workplace productivity, and relationships. Therefore, it's essential to understand what these scores signify and use them for personal and professional growth.
