Сritical thinking as a cognitive prerequisite for the development of emotional intelligence

Abstract

The article examines the psychological impact of critical thinking on the development of emotional intelligence in students from a theoretical and methodological perspective. Based on the analysis of psychological-pedagogical and philosophical literature, the concepts of critical thinking, emotional intelligence, emotional information, intellectual processes, and cognitive flexibility are clarified, and their interrelationships are identified. The study substantiates the psychological mechanisms of critical thinking that influence the development of emotional intelligence and presents an integrated model of intellectual activity of the individual. The levels of critical thinking and emotional intelligence of students were determined in the study. To assess critical thinking, the "How Critically Capable Are You?" test by J. Kincher was used, and to assess emotional intelligence, N. Hall's "Emotional Intelligence Level Assessment" test was applied. In the experimental group, a program aimed at developing critical thinking through psychological-pedagogical training was implemented. The results of the experimental study showed that the methodology for developing critical thinking has a positive impact on the dynamics of emotional intelligence levels and demonstrated the effectiveness of the assessment tools. The study results showed an increase in both critical thinking and emotional intelligence levels, with a positive correlation between these indicators. The statistical data, obtained using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (ρ), confirm the significance of the results. The conclusions of the study prove that the psychological mechanisms of critical thinking enhance students' academic motivation and their ability to consciously regulate emotions in interpersonal relationships.