Which emotional intelligence trait is most closely associated with empathy?

• A. Motivation
• B. Self-regulation
• C. Social awareness
• D. Self-awareness

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of emotional intelligence (EI), which refers to the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions as well as the emotions of others.
2. Step 2: Review the key traits of emotional intelligence, which typically include self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy (often linked to social awareness), and social skills.
3. Step 3: Define empathy as the ability to perceive and share the feelings of others, which is a crucial component of emotional intelligence.
4. Step 4: Recognize that among the options given, 'Social awareness' is the trait most closely related to empathy because it involves understanding and responding to the emotions of others.
5. Step 5: Conclude that while motivation, self-regulation, and self-awareness are important EI traits, social awareness best captures the essence of empathy.