Handbook for Developing Emotional and Social Intelligence: Best Practices, Case Studies, and Strategies

Chapter 12. Using the EQ-i® and MSCEIT® in Tandem

Henry L. Thompson

The study of emotional and social intelligence (ESI) is in its second decade. Even so, ESI remains controversial around at least three issues. The primary issue is whether ESI is actually a new construct or just a compilation of psychological constructs, such as personality and interpersonal interaction styles, studied for over a century (Murphy, 2006). A second issue is whether ESI is an actual intelligence, that is, an internal, hardwired neurological process/ability that facilitates emotional decision making and actions in a particular domain, or whether it is a skill that can be learned. A third issue, assuming that ESI is a valid construct, is whether it can be measured ...