The scientific journey of emotional intelligence: from foundational concept to refined dimension of human ability1

Marina Fiori

Chapter 4 in Research Handbook on Emotional Intelligence at Work, 2026, pp 53-73 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of research on emotional intelligence (EI), evaluating its scientific legitimacy as a form of intelligence, its measurement, and its predictive validity for important life and work-related outcomes. While early debates questioned EI's status as a distinct ability, accumulating evidence supports its role in shaping human competence. The chapter then explores novel approaches in ability EI research, particularly through the lens of dual-process models and addressing their implications in the workplace. Recent advancements in this area include the identification of ‘emotion information processing’ (EIP), a newly proposed component of EI that captures aspects of emotional sensitivity. This perspective offers an advanced understanding of ability EI's cognitive and affective mechanisms. Despite ongoing challenges, the progress made over the past 35 years underscores EI's evolution from a foundational concept into a sophisticated psychological construct. Ultimately, the chapter highlights EI's progression into a refined dimension of human ability with growing empirical support.

Keywords: Emotional Intelligence; Ability EI; Dual-Process Models; Hypersensitivity; Emotion-Information Processing; EIP (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035332519
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