Differences in event-related and induced EEG patterns in the theta and alpha frequency bands related to human emotional intelligence

High (emotional intelligence scores (EIQ) = 120) and average emotional intelligent individuals (EIQ = 89) were solving tasks from an emotional intelligence test while their electroencephalogram was recorded. Significant differences relating to emotional intelligence were observed in induced and event related band power in the theta (4.4-6.4 Hz), lower-2 alpha (8.4-10.4 Hz), and upper alpha band (10.4-12.4 Hz). High emotional intelligent individuals displayed less desynchronization in the upper alpha band, as well as more left hemispheric theta desynchronization. Further a significant positive correlation between the mean frequency and emotional intelligence was observed. The results are similar to those reported for verbal and performance components of general intelligence. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.