World of Psychology has some reflections on online depression treatments. It seems they can be effective for people who stick with them, but many people drop out. They have a place, I would suggest, alongside lots of other approaches. Meanwhile, a very small study on the impact of “emotional intelligence” training appears to have had promising results.
After training and at 6-month follow-up, the training students but notthe control students showed improvements in aspects of “trait”emotional intelligence normally considered immutable, includingimprovement in emotion identification and emotion management (of selfand others’ emotions).
For me, it’s interesting in what it might mean for Lord Layard’s plans for happiness lessons for school kids. The plans generated a lot of controversy, with many suggesting happiness couldn’t be taught, but this research suggests similar things can be taught. I think it’s a good idea and hopefully we’ll press ahead with it.
Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand your own emotions and those of people around you. Emotional intelligence is sometimes referred to as emotional quotient or emotional literacy. Individuals with emotion intelligence are able to relate to others with compassion and empathy, have well-developed social skills and use this emotional awareness to direct their actions and behaviour.