What is Emotional Education for?

There has always been a certain preponderance of reason over emotion; at least, in our western culture. Perhaps the reason is that emotions always come first and can make us feel a little out of place, if not downright upset.

And it is that, despite the fact that emotions are an essential part of psychology, for many people the emotional continues having an obvious negative charge, since it often stands between what we want to achieve and us themselves. In addition, emotions are not always pleasant, so it is normal that, at times, we feel uncomfortable.

But the function of emotions is not, far from it, making life difficult for us. On the contrary; They are a tool that our psyche makes available to us in order to advance and survive. The problem, in reality, is that we don't always interpret them correctly.

In this sense, emotional management is essential to understand what our body is trying to tell us. We talk about it below.

Emotional education: what it is and what it is for

So, emotional education is essential when learning to manage our emotions, but what is it about?

Emotional education is a type of mediation in learning, aimed at teaching a correct interpretation of emotions. The goal is for people to know how to recognize what they feel at all times and why they feel it, in addition to teaching them resources to manage the situation in the most beneficial and productive way possible.

A correct emotional education leads to a better relationship with yourself and with the people around you. It is a basic element to build what is known as emotional intelligence, made up of the skills basic emotional for a correct knowledge of our internal functioning, our needs and the way to express them to others.

To achieve optimal results, emotional education should not be limited to theoretical content, but should focus on the daily situations that the person lives and experiences. Nor is there a specific age range when it comes to teaching it. Yes, it is true that early emotional education in childhood allows children to learn the appropriate skills that will facilitate their development as adults. It must not be forgotten that children lack the necessary tools to manage themselves emotionally, and inadequate education in this regard can cause trauma, fear and disorders.

• Related article: "Emotional management: 10 keys to master your emotions"

What positive consequences does emotional education have?

The most common contexts for emotional education are the school environment and psychological consultation, but, as we have already mentioned, this learning can take place in many more situations. It is especially effective when it is addressed to fathers and mothers, as it is a very effective resource for raising children. The methodology (individual, in groups, etc.) will depend on the field in which it is applied.

And what positive consequences does the application of emotional education have?

1. Teaches us to detect emotions properly

It is the basis of emotional education. If we do not know how to distinguish what we are feeling, it will be difficult for us to manage it correctly. The detection and recognition of our emotions allows us not only to know ourselves, but also to anticipate possible conflicts and complications. A correct identification of what we feel prevents us from placing ourselves in situations that overwhelm us and make us act in a disproportionate and even harmful way.

• You may be interested in: "The 8 types of emotions (classification and description)"

2. It is an effective tool to prevent harmful behavioral patterns

Emotional discomfort is a very unpleasant thing, that is clear. But if we don't learn to identify where it comes from, we have many possibilities of ending up “covering it up” with behaviors that, in the long run, will only bring us complicationssuch as drinking alcohol or binge eating.

3. Strengthens self-esteem

Managing our emotions correctly gives us a sense of satisfaction, coherence and security, and this is very important for a good self-esteem. In addition, emotions that are not managed properly can make us fall into negative and highly toxic feelings, such as guilt or frustration.

• Related article: "The types of education: classification and characteristics"

4. Increase our assertiveness and our communication skills

If we know what we feel, we can express it better. Thus, our communication style will be much more assertive, which will improve our relations.

5. We learn to live with the negative emotions that generate discomfort

And, therefore, we stop fighting against them. Emotional education teaches us that we cannot get rid of our negative emotions, since they have a specific function in our lives. Thus, we will stop trying to suppress the unpleasant sensation that they cause us and, simply, we will accept that they are there, without dramatizing the situation.