Yale Expert Marc Brackett Launches New Book on Emotional Regulation
Marc Brackett, a leading expert in emotional intelligence and the founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, has released his second book, titled “Dealing with Feeling.” Published last month, this work focuses on strategies for managing emotions effectively, a skill Brackett believes is essential for personal and professional success.
Brackett emphasizes the significance of learning how to both regulate one’s own emotions and assist others in managing theirs. He states, “It was very important for me to write a whole book just on one skill, which was to help people learn how to regulate their own emotions, but also importantly, how to engage in healthy co-regulation.” This approach reflects his commitment to promoting emotional intelligence as a vital component of human interaction.
His first book, “Permission to Feel,” released in 2019, established a foundational understanding of emotions and their importance. This initial success led readers to seek practical guidance on emotional management, prompting Brackett to write his latest publication.
Exploring Emotional Regulation
In “Dealing with Feeling,” Brackett begins with a conceptual world where everyone is adept at emotional regulation. He then shifts focus to explore why this concept remains unfamiliar to many. The book outlines what emotional regulation entails and examines current societal attitudes towards emotions. Brackett concludes that emotional regulation consists of learned skills that help individuals manage their feelings in alignment with their goals and values.
Writing the book presented challenges for Brackett, who describes himself as a more effective storyteller in person than when writing. He relied on the very strategies he discusses, such as self-talk and physical activity, to navigate the writing process. He acknowledged the invaluable support from colleagues Karen Niemi and Robin Stern, who contributed to refining the book’s content.
Niemi highlighted the collaborative effort to make the information relatable. “We had endless discussions on how to frame the information to strike a delicate balance in adding humor, relatability, and research,” she noted. Stern added, “One of the things we have done together is create a space for people to reflect as they’re reading.” This thoughtful approach enhances the reader’s connection to the material.
Goals for Impact
Brackett has set three primary goals for the impact of “Dealing with Feeling.” First, he aims for individuals to recognize the importance of emotional regulation across various aspects of life, including health, academic performance, and workplace dynamics. His second goal is to convey that emotional regulation can be learned and improved through practice.
The third, which he describes as “audacious,” is to reshape the definition of success. “If we define our success by how skillful we are at managing life’s ups and downs and at helping other people to do the same, the world will be a very different place,” Brackett stated. He contrasts this vision with traditional metrics of success, such as wealth and status.
The concept of emotional intelligence has roots at Yale, significantly shaped by former president Peter Salovey. As Brackett continues his work, he remains dedicated to expanding access to emotional intelligence education, believing it can lead to a more empathetic and understanding society.
In a world where emotional awareness is increasingly recognized as vital, Brackett’s contributions through his books aim to equip individuals with the tools necessary for navigating their emotional landscapes.
