Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT considered an element of emotional intelligence?

1. Self-awareness

2. Empathy

3. Self-regulation

4. Sympathy

The correct answer is: Sympathy

Emotional intelligence encompasses several key components, notably self-awareness, empathy, and self-regulation. Self-awareness involves recognizing and understanding one's own emotions, strengths, and weaknesses, which is crucial for effective emotional regulation and for relating to others. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, allowing for deeper interpersonal connections and effective communication. Self-regulation refers to the ability to manage one's emotions, behaviors, and impulses in various situations, facilitating better decision-making and problem-solving capacities in both personal and professional contexts. On the other hand, sympathy, while it may involve feelings toward others and can be a component of emotional understanding, does not fulfill the same fundamental role in emotional intelligence. Sympathy primarily involves feelings of pity or sorrow for someone else’s misfortune, without the deeper understanding and engagement that empathy provides. Thus, sympathy is not recognized as an element of emotional intelligence, making it the correct response in this context.