What is EQ? How does it differ from IQ?

What is EQ?

(an abbreviation for Emotional Quotient) is a concept measuring the ability to manage emotions, empathy, and communication with others, as well as the ability to understand and regulate one's own emotions. Thus, EQ is an index measuring emotional intelligence and determining human behavior and attitudes.

What Sets IQ and EQ Apart?

IQ is often talked about more than EQ when it comes to measuring human intelligence. However, both IQ and EQ play important roles in each individual's life. Here are some key differences between these two indices:

• IQ (Intelligence Quotient) is the intelligence index, measuring human cognitive skills, problem-solving abilities, and learning capabilities. Meanwhile, EQ relates to the ability to manage emotions and handle social relationships.

• IQ is typically assessed through intelligence tests, while EQ is assessed through emotional assessments or by observing personal behavior and reactions in social situations.
• The IQ score can be seen as stable over time, whereas EQ can be developed and improved through various means.
• Individuals with high IQs often succeed in fields such as science, mathematics research, medicine, engineering, programming, etc. Those with high EQs can become writers, psychotherapists, human resource managers, leaders, philosophers, etc.

Identifying Individuals with Low EQ

To identify individuals with low emotional intelligence, you can use related tests or simply observe how they interact in society. Here are the most typical characteristics of individuals with low EQ:

Difficulty in Emotion Regulation

They often fail to recognize their emotions and struggle to adjust them appropriately. Consequently, these individuals are prone to becoming easily angered, irritable, and unabashedly expressing these in front of others, affecting their surrounding relationships.

Lack of Communication Skills

They often encounter difficulties in listening and understanding others, and are also not proficient in expressing their thoughts and emotions. This makes them prone to conflicts, misunderstandings, and having fewer long-term relationships.

Inability to Handle Pressure and Stress

They often lack the ability to reduce pressure, resulting in inappropriate and ineffective actions and decisions. Moreover, individuals with low EQ find it difficult to control their emotions, making it easy for them to display negativity when under stress.

Characteristics of Individuals with High EQ

To better understand what EQ is and what it reflects, you need to know how to identify and collaborate with individuals with high emotional intelligence. Here are their manifestations:

• Emotional Self-awareness: They recognize their emotions and understand the reasons behind them.
• Effective Emotional Management: They know how to regulate emotions appropriately, preventing negative emotions from affecting their work, studies, and relationships.

• Effective Communication: Those with high EQ are often good listeners and empathetic communicators, capable of expressing their thoughts clearly and understandably.
• Adaptability and Open-mindedness: They easily adapt to changes, are willing to learn, accept, and respect others' opinions.
• Helping Others: They are willing to assist, support, and encourage those around them.

Which is More Important: EQ or IQ?

In reality, both these indices are crucial for an individual's success. A person with high intelligence quotient (IQ) can excel in activities requiring logical thinking, calculation, and problem-solving. Conversely, an individual with a high emotional quotient (EQ) can manage emotions, maintain healthy relationships, and adapt to social environments.

Therefore, it cannot be definitively stated which index is more important for all individuals. Each person should know how to apply IQ and EQ appropriately in each situation to achieve their desired success.

Commonly Asked Questions

To gain a deeper understanding of the emotional intelligence index, let's address some frequently asked questions related to the topic in the following section. Feel free to comment below the article if you have any other questions related to this topic.

How Smart is EQ?

Similar to IQ, the emotional intelligence index also has specific measurement scales. To be considered to have high emotional intelligence, you need to achieve an EQ of 86 or above. Here are the 4 levels of indices that you should be aware of:

• Below 85: This group comprises individuals with low emotional intelligence and represents a small portion of the world's population.
• From 86 - 115: This is the average EQ level, reflecting the emotional intelligence index of the majority of the world's population.
• From 115 - 131: This is the high range, found in only about 15% of the world's population.
• Above 131: This is an extremely high and rare index, possessed by only about 2% of the world's population.

What is the EQ of Vietnamese People?

In reality, there is no specific study that surveys the emotional intelligence index of Vietnamese people. However, various sources suggest that Vietnamese people have an EQ of 110 - nearly surpassing the average threshold of the majority of the world's population. This index may vary from person to person and change over time, depending on individual training.

Based on the mentioned signs, individuals with high emotional intelligence can manage control effectively, master their emotions, and often exhibit empathy and understanding towards others. Consequently, they tend to have strong and healthy relationships. Moreover, individuals with high EQ scores often experience higher success rates than others.

Hope the information provided here will help you understand what EQ is and what it reflects in each individual. This is an index that can be changed and significantly influences a person's success in society.

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