What does emotional intelligence refer to?

Emotional intelligence refers to the skills involved in recognizing, understanding, and managing emotions in oneself and others. This includes being able to identify emotional states, empathize with others, and effectively handle interpersonal relationships. High emotional intelligence allows individuals to navigate social complexities with greater ease, contribute to conflict resolution, and build meaningful connections. These skills are particularly important in recovery settings, where understanding emotions can significantly impact personal growth and relationships with peers and family.

The other options, while they mention relevant concepts, do not capture the essence of emotional intelligence. Memorizing social rules is more about social awareness than emotional understanding. Knowledge of legal frameworks is unrelated to emotions and their management, focusing instead on rules and regulations. The capacity to avoid conflicts altogether does not reflect emotional intelligence's proactive approach to handling emotions; rather, it suggests avoidance rather than engagement and resolution.