Development of social intelligence of students in the process of thinking

Relevance. Given the educational changes like digitalization, emphasis on creativity, and international interaction, studying social intelligence is crucial for forming civic and professional competence. Purpose. The study aims to determine and analyse the influence of thinking processes on developing social intelligence, focusing on cognitive aspects such as planning, reflection, and self-regulation. Methodology. The study used surveys, analytical methods, and comparisons to gain a comprehensive understanding of social intelligence, identify various opinions, and understand individual experiences. Results. The study found that social intelligence involves understanding, perceiving, and interacting effectively with people, demonstrating empathy, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities. Active development of thinking processes leads to higher social intelligence. A specific relationship was found between thinking aspects like logic application, fact-based reasoning, idea generation, information analysis, emotional management in decision-making, and interpersonal relationship success. Reflexivity, or the ability to analyse and comprehend behavior, was crucial for developing social intelligence. The study also noted that students' psychological state and life satisfaction significantly affect their social interaction abilities. Diagnosing self-determination highlighted the extent to which students can make independent decisions and interact socially. Conclusions. The study concludes that developing thinking processes significantly enhances social intelligence. Reflexivity, logical reasoning, and emotional management are vital components. Additionally, psychological well-being and life satisfaction play crucial roles in effective social interaction and decision-making among students. Therefore, fostering these cognitive and emotional skills is essential for improving social intelligence. Keywords: interaction; competence; cognitive aspects; success