Emotional intelligence (EI) is a construct that refers to an individual's capacity to accurately identify, understand, and manage their own emotions, as well as the emotions of those around them. It involves the ability to be attuned to others, to engage authentically and to display empathy in social situations, making it an essential competency for personal, professional and social success. EI is composed of five core competencies: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. It is distinct from other forms of intelligence, such as traditional cognitive intelligence, however, it is believed to be an important moderator and predictor of overall wellbeing and effective communication.

See also: flow state, peak experience, pair bonding, radical hope, collective intelligence