Problem solving, conflict resolution and empathy are core components of “emotional intelligence,” a construct popularized in recent years by Goleman (1997,1998).
He presented a body of research implying that, in addition to cognitive inputs, effective learning is powerfully modulated by variables in the social and emotional domains.
Various child development projects and school centers in the Western world have emphasized social competence or self-science in their curricula (Elias, 1992).
These skills are taught to children as young as 4 years old and form the basis for books, training programs, and videotapes for children (Berry,1995)