Your overall pattern
You have scored in the Average Emotional Intelligence range. This is the most common profile, representing a "Developing Navigator." It means you are generally capable of handling daily social interactions and managing normal levels of stress. You are not clueless about feelings, but you may find that strong emotions—either your own or others'—can sometimes knock you off course.
Imagine your emotional skills as a muscle you use casually. It is strong enough for heavy lifting on good days, but under the weight of extreme stress or conflict, it might fatigue. You likely have specific zones where you excel (perhaps you are great at empathy but bad at stress management, or vice versa).
"Growth begins when we start to pay attention to the things we usually ignore."
Typical behaviors
- Conditional Clarity: You handle emotions well when you are rested and calm, but may snap or withdraw when you are tired or hungry (HALT: Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired).
- Misreading Cues: You generally understand people, but you might occasionally be surprised by someone's reaction, thinking, "Where did that come from?"
- Reactive vs. Proactive: You often react to emotional situations after they happen, rather than anticipating them beforehand.
Strengths in this pattern
- Relatability: You are likely seen as "down to earth." You don't over-analyze everything, which can make you easy to be around.
- Practicality: You likely deal with problems pragmatically. You don't get lost in the clouds of sentimentality, which is a valuable asset in getting things done.
Common pitfalls
Friction points to watch:
- The "Stress Gap": Your skills may degrade rapidly under pressure. You might say things you regret in the heat of the moment.
- Avoidance: When emotions get too "heavy" or complex, your instinct might be to change the topic or check out physically.
"Reflection point: Notice the specific situations that make you lose your cool. Is there a pattern?"
What you can do next
Small actions you can start today
- The 6-Second Pause: When you feel a trigger (anger/fear), force yourself to count to six before speaking. This re-engages your thinking brain.
- Name it to Tame it: Practice labeling your emotions with granularity. Instead of "I feel bad," try "I feel disappointed and slightly embarrassed."
Longer-term directions
- Active Listening: Practice listening to understand, not to reply. In your next conversation, focus entirely on the other person's face and tone.
- Feedback Loop: Ask a partner or colleague: "How do I usually act when I'm stressed?" Their answer might surprise you.
Disclaimer and when to seek help
This test describes patterns based on your self-report and is for educational purposes only. If you find that your emotional reactions are interfering with your relationships or work life, or if you feel unable to cope, please consider speaking with a mental health professional.