Emotional awareness as a prerequisite for emotional intelligence: A theoretical analysis in psychological and educational literature

Abstract

                This study aims to analyze the relationship between emotional awareness and emotional intelligence in light of contemporary psychological and educational literature, and to present an integrated theoretical framework demonstrating that emotional awareness constitutes a primary and necessary prerequisite for achieving emotional intelligence. The research employed a descriptive-analytical method through a review of the literature and an examination of emotional intelligence models, most notably the ability model of Salovey and Mayer. The theoretical analysis revealed that emotional awareness is the foundational dimension in the structure of emotional intelligence, and that any deficiency in this dimension inevitably leads to shortcomings in subsequent dimensions such as understanding, managing, and utilizing emotions. The study also uncovered conceptual confusion in some Arab educational literature between the two constructs, which undermines the effectiveness of training programs. Furthermore, the research proposed a gradual theoretical framework that begins with emotional awareness and culminates in emotion management, reinforced by foundational references to Qur’anic values, and supported by practical indicators applicable to the Arab and Libyan educational context.