Emotional Intelligence vs Emotional Maturity - Is It the Same?

Whenever people talk about emotional intelligence and emotional maturity, they think that both can be used interchangeably. Though many things are related between them, they are complete opposites from each other. Understanding this will help us to be more self-aware, improve our relationships, and better cope with the ups and downs of life.

Simply put, emotional maturity means how mature we are in handling our emotional state in times of difficulties. Emotional maturity defines the person being patient, persevering, and conscious of finally concluding how emotions affect their behavior toward others and dealings with them. Not the person who lets the emotions bereave their control; they are the person who calmly faces it in their lives and is wise in their judgments.

Signs of Emotional Maturity:

• Taking ownership for actions and feelings rather than blaming others.
• Knowing that life can be tough and adapting to tough conditions.
• Conditioning to emotional outbursts instead of impulsive reactions.
• Practicing empathy and kindness towards others.
• Calmly and constructively resolving conflict.

Emotional Intelligence (EI), simply put, involves the recognition, understanding, and regulation of one's own and others' emotions. The phrase was made famous by psychologist Daniel Goleman, who divided his theory into four major parts.

• Self-awareness: Knowing what emotions you have and what causes them.
• Self-regulation: Regulation of one's emotional reaction and balanced reaction in response.
• Social awareness: Awareness and comprehension of the other's emotions (empathy).
• Relationship Management: This is making strong connections and solving conflicts.

People possessing high emotional intelligence generally perform well in managing emotions in various situations and often find themselves handling both personal and professional relationships much better than the average individual.

While there exists a certain overlap between the two, yet it must be understood that emotional maturity and emotional intelligence are two types of different things. The ability to recognize and manage one's temperaments and emotions defines emotional intelligence, while emotional maturity evolves from an individual's growth or experience encapsulating wisdom to control one's emotions.

For example, a person may appropriately label him or herself as an emotionally intelligent person because he or she can read emotions and respond accordingly; however, that person may not have matured enough to have developed the virtue of patience or accept responsibility. On the other hand, the mature person might have developed control over his or her emotions through past experiences, but he or she might not work towards developing his or her emotional intelligence.

Life experience contributes to the development of emotional maturity, but the development of emotional intelligence can be self-motivated. Below are actionable tips on improving your emotional intelligence:

• Self-awareness: The observation of feelings and how they affect one's actions. The daily recording of events may be of help; if not tried mindfulness, then it should be put into practice.

• Self-control: Take a moment before responding, particularly when the prompt to respond is there. Breathing techniques and other reframing methods may help retain a sense of calmness.

• Nurturing Empathy: Pay people an audience without bias, and imagine being in their situation.

• Developing Communication Skills: Spend quality time with others engaging in conversation, making inquiries, and being open to feedback.

• Create Resilience: Expect that every challenge will lead to growth.

However, emotional intelligence and emotional maturity are similar kinds of terms with different definitions. Emotional intelligence refers to the capacity of an individual to comprehend and deal strategically and skillfully with emotions; whereas emotional maturity is that stage of growth an individual achieves toward becoming balanced and developmentally mature concerning emotional capacity. Fortunately, emotional intelligence and emotional maturity are both capable of being developed in one's life. Actively developing one's emotional intelligence alongside emotional maturity will yield healthier relationships, better choices, and a balanced, rewarding life.