Marc Brackett, the founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and a professor at the Child Study Center, has recently published his second book, titled “Dealing with Feeling.” Released last month, this work focuses on equipping readers with skills to understand and manage their emotions effectively.
In “Dealing with Feeling,” Brackett aims to address a fundamental question: How can individuals learn to regulate their own emotions and assist others in doing the same? He emphasizes the significance of “co-regulation,” a concept that highlights how people can support each other in managing feelings. “It was important for me to write a book focused on this skill,” Brackett stated, aiming to make emotional regulation accessible to a broader audience.
Brackett’s initial work, “Permission to Feel,” published in 2019, explored the nature of emotions and the importance of emotional intelligence. Following its success, readers expressed a desire for practical strategies to manage their emotions, prompting Brackett to write his latest book. He utilized his extensive research background in emotional intelligence to shape the content, ensuring it addressed what readers wanted to learn.
The book begins with a vision of an imaginary world where everyone knows how to regulate their emotions. It then delves into why emotional regulation remains a challenging topic for many. Brackett defines emotional regulation as a set of intentional skills that individuals can learn to manage their feelings in alignment with their goals and values.
Writing this book presented its own challenges for Brackett, who described himself as a more effective storyteller in public speaking than in solitary writing. To aid in the writing process, he employed various regulation strategies described in the book, including self-talk and physical activity. He received invaluable support from colleagues Karen Niemi and Robin Stern, who offered insights and feedback throughout the writing process.
According to Niemi, the collaborative effort focused on creating relatable content. “We had ongoing discussions about how to present the information in a way that balances humor, relatability, and research,” she explained. Stern echoed this sentiment, noting the importance of fostering a reflective space for readers as they engage with the material. “Brackett does a wonderful job of blending personal anecdotes with scientific evidence,” she added.
Brackett’s motivation for writing “Dealing with Feeling” stemmed from a desire to share crucial information with more people. “There were limited venues to reach audiences, so I realized that writing a book was the best way to extend this knowledge,” he remarked.
The author has set three primary objectives for the impact of his book. Firstly, he hopes readers will recognize the vital role of emotional regulation in various aspects of life, including health, academic performance, and workplace productivity. Secondly, he wants to convey that emotional regulation is a skill that can be learned and refined through practice. Lastly, he aspires for individuals to redefine success by their ability to manage life’s challenges and assist others in doing the same. “If our success is measured by how adept we are at navigating emotions rather than material possessions, we can create a significantly different world,” Brackett stated.
The concept of emotional intelligence was significantly advanced by former Yale President Peter Salovey, who, alongside Brackett, has contributed to the growing recognition of the importance of emotional skills in personal and professional settings.
As Marc Brackett continues to promote emotional intelligence through his writing and research, “Dealing with Feeling” serves as a timely resource for individuals seeking to enhance their emotional skills and foster healthier relationships with themselves and others.
