Emotional Competence

Abstract

Emotional competence (EC) is a multi-facetted construct encompassing a broad range of emotion-related skills (e.g., perception) and dispositional qualities (e.g., self-efficacy) that are considered important for psychological, social, and educational adjustment across adolescence. We describe how EC is defined and measured, together with developmental changes in EC across the adolescent period. Emotional intelligence theory offers a holistic framework for organizing EC research. Using that framework as a guide, evidence linking emotional skills and emotion-related dispositions to mental health and academic outcomes in adolescence is critically examined, with particular attention paid to considering whether EC is useful for buffering the effects of stress. We also discuss school-training programs designed to increase EC and reduce internalizing and externalizing problems. We conclude by suggesting ways in which the field may progress to more fully elucidate the role of EC in adolescent adaptation.