Emotional Intelligence in Christian Higher Education

This paper explores the importance of emotional intelligence in Christian higher education. Specifically, it addresses possible implications between emotional intelligence skills and success in the areas of learning, mental health, and career preparation. The paper addresses the following questions: Is there a positive relationship between emotional intelligence and academic achievement? Does emotional intelligence provide tools that enable students to conquer depression, chronic anger, and burnout? Is emotional intelligence necessary to ensure the students’ later success at work? One of the primary tasks students engage in during the college years is managing emotions (Chickering, 1969 Chickering, A. 1969. Education and identity, San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass. [Google Scholar]). Therefore, this paper examines emotional intelligence skills such as self-awareness, managing emotions, motivation, empathy, and social intelligence (Goleman, 1995 Goleman, D. 1995. Emotional intelligence: Why it can matter more than IQ, New York, NY: Bantam. [Google Scholar]). A biblical reflection is also presented.