What is the ability to understand and manage one’s own emotions and perceptions referred to as?

The ability to understand and manage one’s own emotions and perceptions is referred to as emotional intelligence. This concept encompasses not only self-awareness but also the ability to regulate emotions, empathize with others, and navigate social complexities. Emotional intelligence allows individuals to recognize their own emotional states, understand how those emotions influence their thoughts and actions, and adjust their responses accordingly.

While self-awareness is a component of emotional intelligence, it specifically focuses on the recognition of one’s own emotional condition and how it affects behavior. Interpersonal skills and social awareness involve interacting smoothly with others and understanding social cues, which are also aspects of emotional intelligence but do not fully capture the ability to manage one's own emotions. Thus, emotional intelligence is the broader term that encompasses these skills and abilities effectively.