Dec 06 2009
Quit Hit: Intelligence and the Control of Emotion
Both emotion and intelligence are complex topics: there are many aspects to each. What further complicates these is are the many ways they are interrelated. Emotion influences cognition; cognition influences emotion.
For example, working memory plays an important role in cognition and intelligence. When we are stressed and distracted, our working memory becomes limited. And the influence goes in the other direction as well. A team of researchers has recently found this particular relation between mothers and their parenting behavior:
[M]others whose negativity was most strongly linked with their child’s challenging behaviors were those with the poorest working memory skills. The authors surmise that “for mothers with poorer working memory, their negativity is more reactive because they are less able to cognitively control their emotions and behaviors during their interactions with their children.” [source] [bold added]
I like the “authors surmise” wording. Well done.
While this one study doesn’t prove anything, it certainly suggests a link between cognitive capacity and emotional behavior. It brings to mind an in-depth literature review I conducted a few summers ago into the risk factors for crime. My goal was to see if either belief or non-belief was among them. Neither were. But that’s another story. One interesting risk factor I did discover, however, was low verbal intelligence.
Low verbal intelligence as a risk factor for criminal behavior? Interesting. I can surmise that the reason for this is as follows: Verbal behavior is symbolic behavior. Via language we can problem-solve and influence others. When we are poor at this, perhaps we must resort to other options.
Maybe.
Is it possible that kids who stay in school are more likely to become law-abiding citizens and more capable parents because they have, in part, exercised and improved their cognition to a point where they can better manage their emotion? I look forward to finding out.
