Daniel Goleman's pop psychology classic Emotional Intelligence: Why it Can Matter More Than IQ arrives at an ideal time: when school counselors, psychologists, and educators are realizing the limitations of current curricula, traditional approaches to education, and standardized testing. Goleman's book also criticizes the modern medical and psychiatric establishments for ignoring the relevance of revered human qualities like empathy. Modern American social institutions should, according to the author, value emotional intelligence as much as academic prowess. More than a philosophical treatise, however, Emotional Intelligence relies on cognitive, behavioral, and biological studies as a research backbone. Therefore, the book is well-documented and the author supports his main points with scholastic studies. School counselors can easily reap benefit from Goleman's ideas when working with students and can also adapt many of Goleman's suggestions in their personal practices.

             A large portion of Emotional Intelligence is dedicated to scientific proof of the relevance of human emotions and feelings, as if the author felt he had to defend his writing the book. Indeed, modern Western culture devalues emotionality and overemphasizes the importance of academic achievement. As a result, people in a modern society may lack comprehensive social skills or emotional resilience. Social skills are as important as academic skills in public schools as in any social setting, but unfortunately the importance of social skills is downplayed in formal education.

             Goleman also shows how social skills can enhance emotional health and vice-versa. Because most of Goleman's conclusions refer directly to the emotional lives of children and their social development, the book proves immensely relevant to educators and school counselors. By backing up his claims with peer-reviewed journal studies, the author adds credibility to what would otherwise be considered a "soft" approach to psychology.