Abstract
The article substantiates the relevance of developing emotional intelligence (EI) in the process of the future specialists’ professional development within the system of formal (university) education. In accordance with the set goal, the essence of the phenomenon of “emotional intelligence” is revealed. The article identifies its structural components, in particular: cognitive, empathic and behavioural, which are taken as a basis for conducting empirical research. The authors clarify the awareness of the emotional intelligence importance for professional activity among students of Ukrainian universities. In the course of the empirical research, a survey method (questionnaire) was used, conducted online via the Google Forms service, with respondents filling out the author’s questionnaire “Why is it necessary to develop emotional intelligence?” The study was conducted during three academic years (2022-2025), which made it possible to draw conclusions about the peculiarities of students’ emotional intelligence development from their own point of view. The total number of respondents was 232. It was found that students attach a certain importance to the development of emotional intelligence in their professional formation during university studies. Based on a qualitative interpretation of the obtained data, it was proven that future specialists are aware of the emotional intelligence importance for the effective performance of professional duties and for personal growth. The respondents confirmed their readiness to develop emotional intelligence during their studies at a higher education institution. The results revealed the need to strengthen the development of the behavioral component of emotional intelligence among students within the formal education system (universities) in order to ensure the effectiveness of their future professional activities. The prospects of the research lie in the implementation of an optional educational component “Development of Emotional Intelligence in Subject-to-Subject Interaction” into the bachelor’s curriculum in the specialties of Preschool Education and Social Work, as well determining its effectiveness.References
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