Emotional intelligence : an integral part of positive psychology

Abstract

Both “emotional intelligence” and “positive psychology” are rapidly becoming very visible, popular and important areas within psychology. This article suggests that emotional intelligence should be considered an integral part of positive psychology. Empirical findings are presented that support this notion in addition to examining the way both disciplines have been described, defined and conceptualised over the past decade. This approach to categorising emotional intelligence is one way of justifying where it should be placed within the field of psychology. In light of the fact that the current article addresses this issue directly and based on the specific approach which is applied, it is hoped that this publication will represent a useful contribution to the literature.