Emotional Intelligence: Historical Origins, Theoretical Models, and Contemporary Research - A Critical Perspective

The concept of Emotional Intelligence (EI) has evolved significantly over the past century, transforming from early notions of social intelligence to a multi-dimensional psychological construct with vast applications in education, psychology, and organizational studies. This paper traces the historical development of EI, beginning with Thorndike’s idea of social intelligence in the 1920s, to the formalization of the concept by Salovey and Mayer in 1990, and its popularization by Goleman in the mid-1990s. Through a critical review of major theoretical models—ability, mixed, and trait—the study analyzes how each framework interprets emotional competencies. Additionally, it examines empirical research across global and Indian contexts, highlighting patterns, gaps, and future directions. The goal is to provide a comprehensive and analytical understanding of EI's theoretical evolution, research depth, and practical implications.