Emotional Intelligence: An Opportunity for Occupational Therapy

ABSTRACT

Emotional intelligence theory developed within the psychology and business fields and is described as an ability to monitor emotions and to use the information to guide thinking and problem solving. Emotional intelligence skills are needed by occupational therapy practitioners to support therapeutic use of self, promote client-centered care, and foster communication skills within the workplace. A scenario illustrates how emotional intelligence supports the therapeutic use of self during a clinical interaction. The Mayer Salovey Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test is introduced as a resource for occupational therapy practitioners to measure and develop therapeutic relationship skills based upon emotional intelligence research.

KEYWORDS:

• Education
• relationship
• self-awareness
• therapeutic use of self

Acknowledgments

The author is grateful to colleagues Dr. Anne MacRae and Dr. Kay Schwartz who read drafts of the manuscript.