EC Neurology

Emotions play a significant role in how individuals encode and process information, impacting attention, memory, and overall cognitive functioning. This study investigates the relationship between encoding strategies specifically semantic encoding, verbal memory, and visual memory and components of emotional intelligence, with a focus on self-awareness and emotion regulation. A total of 54 undergraduate and postgraduate students participated in the study. Emotional intelligence was assessed using the NHS Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire [32], which is based on Goleman’s model of emotional intelligence [20]. Participants also completed a Verbal Encoding Test and a Visual Memory Test to assess auditory and visual memory, including sequential and simultaneous processing styles. The findings revealed that higher levels of self-awareness and emotion regulation were significantly associated with enhanced encoding performance across both visual and auditory domains. These results are consistent with prior research demonstrating that emotional intelligence contributes to improved cognitive processing and memory performance [39,67]. Additionally, studies have shown that effective emotion regulation enhances working memory and attentional control [16,56], supporting the belief that emotional regulation plays a critical role in learning outcomes. Given the high academic pressure in India and the limited integration of emotional development in educational systems, the study emphasizes the need to embed emotional skill-building into academic curricula. This research provides a basis for future interdisciplinary studies linking neuroscience, education, and social psychology, particularly in contexts where emotional self-regulation remains underdeveloped.

 Keywords: Encoding; Emotional Intelligence; Self-Awareness; Managing Emotions; Visual Memory; Auditory Memory; Simultaneous and Sequential Processing Style

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