Benefits of EQ

Students who participate in emotional intelligence programs show, on average, an 11 percentile-point gain in academic achievement.

But academics are only part of the story.

Research across education, psychology, and child development shows that emotional intelligence plays a critical role in our mental health, relationships, behavior, and job performance and workplace success. These skills shape children’s ability to manage their feelings, handle challenges, connect with others, and navigate an increasingly complex world.

The evidence is clear: emotionally intelligent children are more likely to succeed personally, academically, and professionally. Emotional intelligence skills not only improve individual outcomes, but also classrooms, families, and entire communities.

On this page, you’ll find research, data, and key insights on why emotional intelligence is important and why it’s worth the investment.

What the Research Shows: EQ's Impact on Children

Emotional intelligence is the skill behind every other skill. When a child develops high emotional intelligence, they can succeed in just about anything.

Emotional Intelligence Improves Personal Well-Being

Children with strong emotional intelligence skills experience a greater sense of belonging and mental well-being. Research shows that children who participate in emotional intelligence training programs:

  • Experience fewer behavior challenges and suspensions
  • Build and maintain good relationships with peers
  • Demonstrate empathy and awareness of the emotions of others
  • Engage in less bullying, both as the initiator and the recipient
  • Resolve conflicts more effectively

What this means:
Building emotional intelligence improves how children interact with others. Instead of reacting quickly or escalating situations, they are better able to communicate, problem-solve, and maintain relationships, which improves both individual and group environments.

Emotional Intelligence Improves Academic Outcomes

Emotional intelligence directly supports how children engage in learning.

Statistics show that students who develop emotional intelligence skills see:

  • An 11 percentile-point gain in academic achievement
  • Higher GPAs and improved test performance
  • Increased attendance and classroom engagement
  • A greater persistence through academic challenges
  • Higher graduation and college enrollment rates

What this means:
A child who can manage frustration, stay focused, and ask for help is better positioned to learn. Emotional intelligence creates the conditions that allow kids to be ready to learn, so academic skills can take hold and grow.

Emotional Intelligence Improves Workplace Success

Developing emotional intelligence as a young person has continued, profound benefits into adulthood.

Emotional intelligence in childhood is linked to:

  • Achieving full-time employment
  • Higher earning potential (One study shows emotionally intelligent people earn $29,000 more per year than those without a strong EQ foundation)
  • Stronger workplace performance and collaboration
  • Better relationship quality over time
  • Higher overall emotional well-being in adulthood

Research from Intelligent and Gallup has shown that business leaders believe recent college graduates are unprepared for the workforce. Business leaders cite emotional intelligence as the missing link, including empathy, communication skills, and work ethic.

Research by Dr. Travis Bradberry suggests that emotional intelligence is the critical factor that differentiates high-performing employees, responsible for 58% of success in all job types.

What this means:
Success in life depends on more than knowledge. It depends on how we manage stress, navigate relationships, and make decisions. Emotional intelligence supports these abilities across every stage of life.

EQ by the Numbers: The ROI of Emotional Intelligence

The investment in emotional intelligence pays dividends across every metric that matters.

For every $1 invested in emotional intelligence programming, our community can expect an $11 return.

What this looks like: 

  • Fewer disciplinary incidents, resulting in more time for instruction
  • Improved teacher retention, reducing hiring and training costs
  • Stronger school climate, leading to higher engagement and satisfaction
  • Long-term reduction in the need for intensive behavioral or intervention services

What this means:
When emotional intelligence is part of a school or organization, systems function more effectively.

Students are more engaged.
Classrooms are more stable.
Educators are better supported.

This is not an additional initiative layered on top. It is an investment that strengthens everything already in place.

Key Takeaways: The Impact of Emotional Intelligence Over Time

  • Emotional intelligence is a set of skills that influences how children learn, behave, and interact with others.
  • Research shows that these skills are linked to improved mental health, stronger relationships, better academic outcomes, and greater long-term success, including career outcomes and income potential.
  • These outcomes are not isolated. They are connected.
  • When children can manage their emotions, they are better able to stay engaged in learning. When they can understand others, they build stronger relationships. When they can navigate challenges, they develop resilience that carries into adulthood.
  • These skills do not develop automatically. They grow through consistent practice, supportive relationships, and guidance from the adults in a child’s life.
  • For schools, families, and organizations, the takeaway is clear:
  • Emotional intelligence is not an add-on.
  • It is a foundational skill set that strengthens everything else.
  • When children build these skills early, they improve more than just immediate moments. They build a foundation that shapes how they learn, relate, and succeed over time.

The Importance of Emotional Intelligence: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do you measure emotioanl intelligence in children?

How do you measure emotional intelligence in children?
Emotional intelligence is measured through patterns of behavior over time. This includes how children manage emotions, respond to challenges, interact with peers, and communicate. Observations, surveys, and structured/standardized tools can all be used to track progress.

How long before we see results?

How long before we see results?
Some changes, such as increased emotional awareness and language, can happen quickly. More complex skills, like self-management and relationship-building, develop over time. Many programs show measurable outcomes within a school year when implemented consistently.

Is this backed by research?

Is this backed by research?
Yes. Emotional intelligence is supported by decades of research across child development, psychology, and education, demonstrating its impact on academic success, mental health, and long-term outcomes.

What if we've tried similar approaches before and didn't see results?

What if we’ve tried similar approaches before and didn’t see results?
Effectiveness depends on consistency, implementation, and alignment across environments. Emotional intelligence is most impactful when skills are practiced regularly and reinforced by educators, families, and other trusted adults in a child’s life.

Does this work for all children?

Does this work for all children?
Yes. Emotional intelligence is relevant for every child. While it may look different depending on personality and development, these skills can be taught, practiced, and strengthened across all age groups and settings.

Your Turn: Help Put EQ Into Practice With the Kids You Care About

Research & Sources

  • Durlak, J. A., Weissberg, R. P., Dymnicki, A. B., Taylor, R. D., & Schellinger, K. B. (2011). The impact of enhancing students’ social and emotional learning: A meta-analysis of school-based interventions. Child Development.
  • Belfield, C., Bowden, A. B., Klapp, A., Levin, H., Shand, R., & Zander, S. (2015). The Economic Value of Social and Emotional Learning. Columbia University Center for Benefit-Cost Studies in Education.
  • Harvard Center on the Developing Child. Building Core Capabilities for Life and related research briefs.
  • Jones, D. E., Greenberg, M., & Crowley, M. (2015). Early social-emotional functioning and public health: The relationship between kindergarten social competence and future wellness. American Journal of Public Health.
  • Journal of Human Resources, National Bureau of Economic Research, Dr. Travis Bradberry