A Developmental Critical View of Emotional Intelligence Theories and Programs in the Greek Educational Settings

Abstract

School is considered the natural place for the transmission of knowledge, values, and attitudes, the process of acquiring correct social behavior that will stem from the regulation and understanding of emotions seems challenging. The development of emotional intelligence in the school environment can help students who have integration difficulties, school bullying, intellectual and learning problems, and early dropout. Thus, students create a positive attitude towards lifelong learning, a sense of autonomy, effectiveness, and respect towards teachers. Violence prevention, social service training, the ability to form and maintain relationships are just a few practical uses of learning emotional intelligence in school. The purpose of this chapter is to highlight the importance of the inclusion of emotional intelligence programs in the Greek educational system with the aim of empowering students, the critical presentation of theories under the development spirit, as well as the comparison of existing programs through processes of synthesis and analysis of the literature.