(COMPLETE ANSWERS)
2025 - DUE 11 September 2025
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, Section A: Emotional Intelligence (20 Marks)
1. Define Emotional Intelligence (EI) and describe its components. (10 marks)
Emotional Intelligence (EI) is a psychological construct that refers to an individual's ability to
recognize, understand, and manage their own emotions and the emotions of others. It is the
capacity to reason about emotions and use emotional information to enhance thought (Mayer,
Salovey, & Caruso, 2004). Unlike a traditional measure of intelligence (IQ), EI focuses on social
and emotional competencies that are crucial for navigating life and work successfully.
The components of Emotional Intelligence, as conceptualized by Daniel Goleman (1995), are:
Self-Awareness: This is the ability to recognize and understand one's own moods,
emotions, and drives, as well as their effect on others. A person with high self-awareness
knows their strengths and weaknesses and has a realistic sense of self-confidence. For
example, Thabo's emotional outbursts indicate a lack of self-awareness regarding his
frustration and anger.
Self-Regulation: This involves the ability to control or redirect disruptive impulses and
moods and the propensity to suspend judgment and think before acting. It is the
management of one's internal state. For instance, Thabo's inability to regulate his
emotions, leading to verbal lashing out, highlights a deficit in this area.
Motivation: This refers to a passion to work for reasons that go beyond money or status.
It is a drive to pursue goals with energy and persistence. Individuals with high emotional
intelligence are motivated by a deep desire to achieve for the sake of achievement itself.
Thabo’s decline in academic performance and withdrawal from activities could be linked
to a loss of intrinsic motivation due to his external stressors.
Empathy: This is the ability to understand the emotional makeup of other people. It
involves skillfully treating people according to their emotional reactions. An empathetic
teacher, for example, would recognize Thabo's emotional distress and understand that his
behavior is a cry for help rather than an act of defiance.
Social Skills: This is a proficiency in managing relationships and building networks. It is
the ability to find common ground and build rapport. Strong social skills are essential for
effective leadership, teamwork, and communication. Thabo’s refusal to participate in
group activities and his withdrawal from peers indicate a breakdown in his social skills.
2. Discuss the role of Emotional Intelligence in psychosocial support and its impact on
emotional and behavioural interventions, using academic references. (10 marks)
Psychosocial support refers to the provision of psychological and social assistance to
individuals to address their well-being and meet their basic needs. It is particularly important for
those experiencing distress or trauma. In Thabo’s case, his family's financial crisis and