Marc Brackett, the founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, has released his second book, titled Dealing with Feeling. This work focuses on equipping readers with essential skills and strategies for understanding and managing their emotions. The book was launched in September 2023 and builds on the foundation established in his first book, Permission to Feel, published in 2019.
Insights into Emotional Regulation
Brackett emphasizes the importance of emotional regulation, a skill he aims to demystify through his new publication. “It was very important for me to write a whole book just on one skill,” he stated, explaining that the goal is not only to help individuals manage their own feelings but also to support others in doing the same. This concept, referred to by Brackett as “co-regulation,” is crucial for fostering healthy relationships.
The book begins by painting an imaginary world where emotional regulation is commonplace. Brackett then explores why this crucial topic remains foreign to many. He defines emotional regulation as a set of learned, intentional skills that align with personal values and goals, ultimately aiding individuals in managing their feelings wisely.
Brackett’s first book was well-received internationally, prompting readers to seek guidance on practical applications of emotional intelligence. In response, he developed Dealing with Feeling to provide actionable insights into emotional management.
Collaborative Efforts and Challenges
Writing the book proved challenging for Brackett, who noted, “I’m a much better storyteller when I’m on stage than I am sitting around thinking about a story to tell.” Throughout the writing process, he employed various emotional regulation strategies, including self-talk and physical activity, to stay focused. Support from colleagues, including Karen Niemi and Robin Stern from the Yale School of Medicine, was instrumental in refining the book’s content. Niemi remarked on their collaborative discussions, which balanced humor, relatability, and research, while Stern highlighted the importance of creating a reflective space for readers.
Brackett aims for Dealing with Feeling to make emotional intelligence accessible to a broader audience. He believes that the only viable way to share his knowledge widely was through writing a book. His ultimate goals include raising awareness about the importance of emotional regulation across different life domains, demonstrating that it is a skill that can be developed through practice, and redefining success to include emotional management as a key metric.
“If we define our success by how skillful we are at managing life’s ups and downs and at helping others do the same, the world will be a very different place,” Brackett stated. This ambitious vision challenges conventional notions of success, which often prioritize wealth and status over emotional well-being.
Former Yale President Peter Salovey was instrumental in developing the concept of emotional intelligence, further underscoring the significance of Brackett’s work in the field.
As society continues to navigate complex emotional landscapes, Dealing with Feeling offers a timely resource for individuals seeking to enhance their emotional intelligence and improve their quality of life.
