hugs

Couple cuddling

A woman may gain more from hugs than a man

Women’s heart health may benefit more from hugs than men’s, a study suggests.A team from the University of North Carolina studied the effects of hugging on both partners in 38 couples.

The study showed hugs increased levels of oxytocin, a “bonding” hormone, and reduced blood pressure – which cuts the risk of heart disease.

But, writing in the Psychosomatic Medicine, the researchers said women recorded greater reductions in blood pressure than men after their hugs.

emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence is the capacity for recognizing our own feelings and those of others, for motivating
ourselves and for managing emotions effectively in ourselves and others. An emotional competence is a
learned capacity based on emotional intelligence that contributes to effective performance at work.

Building upon and integrating a great deal of competency research, Goleman, Boyatzis, and McKee (2002) presented a model of emotional intelligence with eighteen competencies arrayed in four clusters (Boyatzis, 1982; Spencer & Spencer, 1993; Rosier, 1994-1997; Jacobs, 1997; Goleman, 1998). They are:

  • The Self-awareness Cluster included Emotional Self-Awareness, Accurate
    Self-assessment, and Self-confidence;
  • The Self-Management Cluster included Emotional Self-control, Achievement,
    Initiative, Transparency, Adaptability, and Optimism;
  • The Social Awareness Cluster included Empathy, Service Orientation, and
    Organizational Awareness;
  • The Relationship Management Cluster included Inspirational Leadership,
    Influence, Conflict Management, Change Catalyst, Developing Others, Teamwork and Collaboration.

The Emotional Competence Inventory 2.0 (ECI) measures 18 competencies organized into four clusters: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, and Relationship Management.

ESCI Competency Scales

Emotional Self-Awareness: Recognizing one’s emotions and their effects

Emotional Self-Control: Keeping disruptive emotions and impulses in check

Adaptability: Flexibility in handling change

Achievement Orientation: Striving to improve or meeting a standard of excellence

Positive Outlook: Persistence in pursuing goals despite obstacles and setbacks

Empathy: Sensing others’ feelings and perspectives, and taking an active interest in their concerns

Organizational Awareness: Reading a group’s emotional currents and power relationships

Coach and Mentor: Sensing others’ development needs and bolstering their abilities

Inspirational Leadership: Inspiring and guiding individuals and groups

Influence: Wielding effective tactics for persuasion

Conflict Management: Negotiating and resolving disagreements

Teamwork: Working with others toward shared goals. Creating group synergy in pursuing collective goals.