Emotional intelligence applies across the lifespan and can be practiced beginning in adolescence, especially during major transitions. High-school seniors commonly experience mixed emotions—excitement, anxiety, and overwhelm—during college preparation. Recognizing and naming feelings prevents prolonged avoidance and enables active emotional growth. Seeking learning opportunities and practicing psychological skills outside the classroom supports coping and self-understanding. Sharing emotions with friends reduces isolation and builds supportive networks. Using emotional skills daily, rather than only in isolated moments, integrates emotional intelligence into habit and decision-making. Regular practice of naming, talking about, and applying emotional skills strengthens resilience and relational well-being.
As a psychologist who has spent decades studying emotional intelligence, I often speak with educators, parents, and professionals about how emotions shape our decisions, relationships, and well-being. But sometimes the most poignant lessons come from young people themselves- especially those navigating one of the most emotionally complex transitions of adolescence: senior year of high school. Recently, I sat down with Charlie, a high-school senior, to talk about how he's preparing not just for college applications, but for the emotional journey that comes with them.
Between college essays, sports, and changing friendships, life feels more intense. There's pressure to 'get it right,' but also this emotional exhaustion I wasn't expecting. That awareness is important. What made you start paying closer attention to your emotions? Charlie: I realized that I was having some feelings, like stress or fear, more frequently, and they were harder to ignore.
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