The appeal of emotional intelligence

Authors

Jessica Ogle, University of WollongongFollow
John Bushnell, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

89451

Publication Details

Ogle, J. & Bushnell, J. A. (2014). The appeal of emotional intelligence. Medical Education, 48 (5), 458-460.

Abstract

Nearly a decade ago, Lewis et al. raised the spectre of emotional intelligence (EI) as a 'uroborus': a construct so fraught with conceptual and measurement problems as to parallel the mythical animal 'that eats itself, beginning with its tail, and so disappears by its own devices'.1 In this issue of Medical Education, Cherry et al.2 demonstrate how little has changed in the intervening years, despite the increasing attention paid to the skills and talents above and beyond the traditional cognitive and intellectual abilities required for the successful pursuit and practice of a medical career. Emotional intelligence and related concepts, including professionalism, interpersonal skills, compassionate and empathic patient care, and communication skills, have all been the focus of active research.