The need for emotional awareness and a quantitative measure based on empirical research

Abstract

Background: The scope of emotional competence and the definition of individual differences therein is still a matter of scientific debate. So, too, is the inclusion of emotional awareness as an important feature of emotional competence. Aim of the study: To explore levels of emotional awareness in relation to a predefined six factors model. This study will also examine the ability to measure emotional competence with empirical research. Material and methods: For this study, a self–report questionnaire (EA Q30) is used to s assesses emotional awareness in children. Here, emotional awareness is described as the “ability of people to differentiate, express, analyze and pay attention to their own emotions and those of others” emotions and those of others”. Participants were recruited as a representative group of N = 27 11-year-old children. Results: We found that scores in two dimensions –‘acting out emotions’ and ‘bodily awareness’, were lower in comparison to the other four dimensions from the emotional awareness measure. Conclusions: Individual differences in emotional awareness have shown to have a significant impact on important life outcomes for children and adolescents, including mental and physical health, successful academic behavior and achievement, and social relationships. It is important to proceed with attempts to measure emotional awareness in young people with valid empirical investigations, and to develop new models for emotional training that are capable of enhancing emotional functioning.