Transformative psychology #7: Emotional intelligence and conflict transformation

Conflict transformation is transforming destructive conflict into constructive conflict. The types of destructive conflict are typically associated with forms of violence, including direct, structural, cultural, sexual, and emotional (Rapp, 2006). Emotional intelligence is one element in the process of transformation, but not just as regards emotional violence; emotional intelligence can assist in transforming any destructive conflict, in no small measure because all forms of destructive conflict impact emotional well-being.

Emotional intelligence is both self-oriented and other-oriented, affecting our behaviors and thus the outcomes of what we attempt. Other-oriented emotional intelligence is a positive factor in workplace productivity and sustainability of a positive workplace culture (Marinova, Anand & Park, 2025).

References

Marinova, S., Anand, S., & Park, H. (2025). Other-oriented emotional intelligence, OCBs, and job performance: a relational perspective. Journal of Social Psychology, 1–20. https://doi-org.proxy.lib.pdx.edu/10.1080/00224545.2024.2439944

Rapp, H. (2006). The four chambers of the heart of peace: the role of emotional intelligence, counselling skills, and living systems thinking in the transformation of violent conflict: part one. Psychotherapy & Politics International, 4(3), 157–174. https://doi-org.proxy.lib.pdx.edu/10.1002/ppi.107