SOCIO-PEDAGOGICAL DETERMINANTS OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Introduction. The study of emotional intelligence is becoming increasingly significant, particularly in the context of training future social workers. The modern education system should not only transmit knowledge but also facilitate the development of emotional competence, which is essential for effective professional interaction with clients. The ability to recognize, regulate, and constructively express emotions is a critical factor for success in the social sphere. A high level of emotional intelligence enables professionals to navigate complex interpersonal interactions, establish trust-based relationships, and deliver high-quality social services. Research Aim This study aims to analyze socio-pedagogical approaches to the development of emotional intelligence in future social workers, determine its role in professional practice, and substantiate the pedagogical conditions necessary for its formation. The research also explores the integration of emotional intelligence training into the curriculum of social work education. Scientific Novelty. This study systematizes contemporary approaches to the development of emotional intelligence in the social sphere, drawing on the theoretical frameworks of D. Goleman, A. Rean, and other scholars. Particular attention is given to the mechanisms of emotional self-regulation, which enable future social workers to maintain professional resilience in high-stress environments. Furthermore, the study substantiates the necessity of implementing a structured emotional intelligence development program for students at Khmelnytskyi National University, specializing in Social Work (specialty 231). This program is designed to cultivate emotional literacy, equipping students with the ability to accurately identify and interpret both their own emotions and those of others. Additionally, it aims to enhance their professional competencies, improving their capacity to work with diverse client populations, understand clients’ emotional needs, facilitate constructive emotional expression, and maintain emotional stability in various professional scenarios. Conclusions. The findings of this study confirm that a well-developed level of emotional intelligence enables future social workers to effectively manage emotional challenges, engage with vulnerable populations, and mitigate the risk of professional burnout. The proposed educational approaches and training methodologies contribute to the systematic development of emotional competence, which is a fundamental component of professional formation in social work.