Emotional Intelligence Awareness Month
October 1 - October 31
About Emotional Intelligence Awareness Month
Emotional Intelligence Awareness Month runs throughout October, from Thursday, 1 October to Saturday, 31 October 2026. The month-long campaign encourages people to understand, develop, and apply emotional intelligence in everyday life, at work, and in relationships. It promotes the idea that managing emotions skilfully is a learnable ability with real benefits for wellbeing and success.
What is Emotional Intelligence Awareness Month?
Emotional Intelligence Awareness Month is an annual observance dedicated to raising understanding of emotional intelligence, often shortened to EQ or EI. Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to recognise, understand, and manage your own emotions while also reading and responding to the emotions of others. The month is organised by the Emotional Intelligence Institute, which provides free campaign materials to schools, workplaces, and individuals. Throughout October, the focus is on practical skills such as self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation.
When is Emotional Intelligence Awareness Month?
Emotional Intelligence Awareness Month takes place every October. In 2026 it runs from Thursday, 1 October to Saturday, 31 October. The observance covers the full calendar month, giving organisations the whole of October to run workshops, share resources, and encourage reflection.
Why Emotional Intelligence Awareness Month Matters
Emotional intelligence has become a widely studied factor in personal and professional success. Research popularised by psychologist Daniel Goleman, who brought the concept to a mass audience with his 1995 book, identified five core elements of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. Studies have linked high emotional intelligence to better job satisfaction, stronger leadership, and improved staff retention, and many large organisations now invest in EQ training for their teams. Unlike fixed measures such as IQ, emotional intelligence can be developed at any age, which is part of why a dedicated awareness month is so useful. Building these skills supports mental health, reduces conflict, and helps people communicate with greater understanding.
How to Get Involved in Emotional Intelligence Awareness Month
There are many practical ways to take part, whether you are an individual, an educator, or a workplace leader.
- Practise daily self-awareness – Take a few minutes each day to name what you are feeling and why. Recognising emotions is the foundation of emotional intelligence.
- Listen with full attention – Make a deliberate effort to listen without interrupting or planning your reply. Active listening strengthens empathy and connection.
- Learn the five core skills – Read about self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills, then pick one to focus on for the month.
- Run a workshop – Employers and teachers can use the free materials from the Emotional Intelligence Institute to lead a session or discussion.
- Pause before reacting – When you feel a strong emotion, give yourself a moment before responding. This simple habit builds self-regulation over time.
- Ask for feedback – Invite a trusted colleague or friend to share how you come across in difficult moments. Honest feedback supports growth.
- Keep a reflection journal – Writing about emotional moments each evening helps you spot patterns and respond more thoughtfully next time.
- Talk about emotions openly – Normalising conversations about feelings, especially with children and teams, helps build emotionally healthy environments.
History of Emotional Intelligence Awareness Month
The term emotional intelligence was introduced into academic psychology in 1990 by researchers Peter Salovey and John Mayer. It reached a far wider audience in 1995 when Daniel Goleman published his influential book on the subject, arguing that emotional skills could matter as much as, or more than, traditional measures of intelligence in determining success.
Emotional Intelligence Awareness Month grew out of this expanding interest. The Emotional Intelligence Institute, founded in 2001 by Sandra Hughes McDevitt, launched the October campaign in 2006. Since then, the Institute has coordinated the awareness month each year, offering free materials so that anyone can participate without cost.
Over time the observance has been embraced by schools, workplaces, and wellbeing organisations, reflecting a broader shift towards taking emotional skills as seriously as technical or academic ones. October was chosen in part because it sits alongside other wellbeing observances, allowing the themes to reinforce one another.
Noteworthy Facts About Emotional Intelligence Awareness Month
- The awareness month was launched in 2006 by the Emotional Intelligence Institute.
- The Institute was founded in 2001 by Sandra Hughes McDevitt.
- The term emotional intelligence was first coined by researchers Peter Salovey and John Mayer in 1990.
- Daniel Goleman’s 1995 book brought emotional intelligence to a global mainstream audience.
- Emotional intelligence is considered a learnable skill that can be developed at any stage of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Emotional Intelligence Awareness Month?
It is a month-long observance in October dedicated to raising understanding of emotional intelligence, the ability to recognise and manage emotions in yourself and others. It is coordinated by the Emotional Intelligence Institute.
When is Emotional Intelligence Awareness Month in 2026?
It runs throughout October 2026, from Thursday, 1 October to Saturday, 31 October.
Who runs Emotional Intelligence Awareness Month?
The campaign is organised by the Emotional Intelligence Institute, which has coordinated it each October since 2006 and provides free resources for participants.
Spread the Word
Help raise awareness by sharing Emotional Intelligence Awareness Month with your friends, family, and colleagues. Use the hashtags #EmotionalIntelligenceMonth and #EIAwarenessMonth2026 on social media. The more people who develop these skills, the healthier our conversations and communities become.
Related Awareness Days
- World Mental Health Day – Falls on 10 October and shares the month’s focus on emotional and psychological wellbeing.
- ADHD Awareness Month – Another October observance centred on understanding how the mind works and supporting wellbeing.
- National Work Life Week – Highlights wellbeing at work, where emotional intelligence plays a central role.
Links
2026 Awareness Days Wall Planner
Every key awareness day at a glance. Perfect for offices, staff rooms, and team planning.
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