Understanding IQ, EQ and SQ from the National Association for Gifted Children

Understanding IQ, EQ and SQ

IQ does not predict happiness but emotional intelligence (EQ) and spiritual
intelligence (SQ) do, but they are both extremely hard to measure. All three
quotients or intelligences are interlinked so if children are to achieve well there needs
to be a balance between the three.
Intelligence Quotient (IQ) - Is about thinking
IQ measures our cognitive ability but academic or cognitive intelligence alone offers
little preparation for the emotional challenges we all have to face in the course of our
daily lives. Measuring IQ alone is not enough; measuring the whole is more accurate
and conclusive, IQ and EQ and SQ - a holistic approach.
Emotional Quotient (EQ) - Is about feeling
EQ is a term used to represent other factors that can lead to healthy relationships
and the ability to respond appropriately and positively to every day life. It is about
recognising emotions and managing them. Emotions without a physical expression
are collections of thoughts. Talking about emotions means we have to have an
understanding and a language for feelings then we have to be able to articulate our
feelings. EQ is about understanding ourselves, how we relate to others and how
others perceive us. EQ also helps us to understand how others are feeling and
enables us to develop more fulfilling and deeper relationships. All this is essential if
we are to be able to manage and resolve conflict as and when it arises as well as
functioning collaboratively and collectively in everyday situations.
Spiritual Quotient (SQ) - Is about being
SQ is very difficult to define. But it needs to be clear it is not about organised
religion. SQ is about questions more than answers. It lives in stories, poetry,
metaphor, uncertainty and paradox. One of the biggest qualities of SQ is wisdom.
Ingredients of SQ are values such as courage, integrity, intuition, compassion,
empathy and knowing the limits of your knowledge. SQ can also mean unlearning
what others have taught you; questioning life issues; thinking laterally or outside the
box; seeing situations and issues differently; having a greater understanding of all
possibilities. Spirituality is an essential component of a holistic approach to life, its
finds expression in creativity and all art forms and is the bit that adheres together our
conscious intellect and our intelligent action. Spirituality sustains us from within
when all else fails; spirituality allows us to dream, aspire and raise ourselves up.
Values for Living
Circle time, personal, social & emotional sessions (PSE) and class discussions should
all make time for discussing some of the following: feelings, people who care for us,
acts of kindness, support mechanisms, world disasters, death and values. This list is
not exhaustive. Choose a value for the week both at home and in school and children
are praised and given recognition for displaying this value.
Peace
Patience
Trust
Love
Happiness
Friendship
Freedom

Honesty
Courage
Respect
Caring
Kindness
Tolerance
Hope

Of course all the above applies to all children but especially to gifted and talented
children who do not always have mature levels of EQ and SQ. It's important we
nurture such children in order that they are well-balanced and happy human beings.
The great Nelson Mandela, in his 1994 Inaugural speech, as the 1st President of the
new South Africa said:
'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually who are you not to
be? Your playing small does not serve the World.'
To Teach Not to Punish: A Practical Human Values Approach to Discipline Margaret Taplin & Anita Devi - ISBN: 962-8430-08-4 www.teachlove.org
Spiritual Intelligence Questionnaire
Spiritual Intelligence can be seen as an extension of social and emotional intelligence.
It is difficult to quantify but the following questionnaire is an attempt to assist us in
getting in touch with others, the universe and ourselves. You as parents might want
to compete this questionnaire as a starting point for exploring the issues surrounding
the understanding of Spiritual Intelligence.
Mark your score on a scale of 1-5 where 5 means you completely agree with the
statement and 1 means you totally disagree.
1.

My life has a sense of complete and positive purpose to it.

2.

I feel a great connection to and often feel 'at one' with the universe and/or
God.

3.

I understand and have a deep knowledge of myself. I do what I say and

express this in my being.

4.

I am known for my playful, irrepressible and bubbling sense of humour and

childlike (but not childish) view of the world.

5.

I am deeply at peace with myself.

6.

Other life forms generate in me a sense of awe, wonder, love and respect.

7.

I achieve the right balance of appropriate caring for others.

8.

I enjoy serving all people to the best of my ability and at every opportunity.

9.

I am amazed at my capacity for wonder.

Scoring 4's and 5's indicates a high SQ (spiritual quotient)

Scoring 1's and 2's indicates a low SQ (spiritual quotient)
In a holistic view we Are people with a mind body and spirit, all interconnected and
arranged in such a pattern that means the whole is greater than the sum of parts. In
the same way we can view our intelligences but much of our school education at
present bases itself on cognitive intelligence.
'We can teach our children a multitude of facts about the sun; the moon and
Mars but we can still miss the radiance of the sunset' Dr David George, 2006.