Guidelines for Promoting Emotional Literacy

Crime rates, divorce rates, isolation, loneliness, depression and myriad other issues all plague today's society. All of these relate to a directly to emotional illiteracy. Some people believe that developing a greater level of emotional literacy will improve these areas among others.

Emotional Literacy's Definition

• Emotional literacy helps relationships.

  Clinical psychologist Claude Steiner identifies emotional literacy as "emotional intelligence with a heart. Steiner further clarifies that emotional literacy involves the awareness of both the reasons for and intensity of our own feelings. It also involves careful consideration of others' emotions and intensity of emotion. Finally, emotional literacy involves the ability to "express or hold back our feelings" in order to develop and maintain quality relationships in life. In addition, EQI suggests that emotional literacy "involves the ability to express feelings with specific feeling words."

Emotional Literacy's Purpose

• In order to fully develop emotions and relationships one must clearly and considerately communicate emotions. EQI recommends identifying emotions and conveying them in three word sentences. For example: "I feel neglected," as opposed to "I feel like you neglect me." Using three word sentences identifies emotions without placing blame on others or making someone feel defensive. Identifying emotions and communicating them clearly in relationships also helps develop self-esteem, as well as a greater sense of control and power.

Emotional Literacy in Schools

• Teach emotional literacy in schools.

  Mark A. Collins, a licensed marriage and family therapist and author of "The Missing Piece," recognizes public schools as an essential tool in teaching emotional literacy. This environment would enable all people to be on the same page at the same time. Through his work and research he has devised a "common language and common ground for social and emotional literacy." The foundation of his program is centered around a metaphorical toolbox that provides several measures to help teach students emotional literacy. Strategies such as breathing as a calming technique, developing empathy, recognizing personal boundaries of others, using common courtesy and dealing with hurtful words are used to help students learn how to recognize and deal with emotions.

Emotional Literacy in the Workplace

• Emotional literacy benefits work.

  There is little doubt the common workplace could benefit from the promotion of emotional literacy. As Claude Steiner admits, the workplace is frequently plagued by gossip, vendettas and power plays. However, emotional literacy in the workplace is "an experimental undertaking." There are many difficulties with promoting an emotionally literate workplace. First, there is no guarantee that coworkers are interested in the concept. Second, many work environments are themselves emotionally illiterate. According to Steiner, the best bet is to find others in the workplace who are interested in developing emotional literacy as a means of creating a more open and positive work environment. These people set the example and find others. Posters addressing important elements of and reasons for emotional literacy are helpful.