Ability Emotional Intelligence: A privileged way to health

Identifying, processing and dealing effectively with one’s own and others’ emotions are essential features of Emotional Intelligence (EI), and considered crucial to the individual’s well-being. Ability models consider EI as a form of intelligence emphasizing the processing of emotional information in an effective manner. Numerous studies examined EI’s involvement in many aspects of human functioning, including health and well-being. The main aim of the present chapter is to provide a review of the literature concerning the role of Ability EI in a wide range of health outcomes, from subjective and psychological well-being to psychological and physiological pathology. The literature reviewed here proposes that Ability EI is associated with a wide range of health outcomes, including maintaining positive mood, adaptive coping and effective emotion regulation, as well as maintaining social support networks associated with more effective coping and positive health outcomes. The potential applications and the future perspectives about the helpfulness of EI abilities in promoting mental and physical health are discussed.