By the time the kids reach high school, significant differences appear between the two groups. The kids who held out for two marshmallows were better adjusted, more popular, more adventurous, more confident, and more dependable than kids in the quick gratification group. The latter group was also more likely to be lonely, more easily frustrated, more stubborn, more likely to buckle under stress, and more likely to shy away from challenges. EQ is not the opposite of IQ, and indeed it is hoped that people have generous quantities of both. But, there is little doubt that people without sufficient EQ will have a hard time surviving in life.
Geneticists say No, while social scientists say Yes.
For example, educational researchers indicate that when normal students are introduced to disabled peers, those in the former group dramatically improve their ability to become empathetic and gracious. A more profound improvement is frequently noted in the behaviourally disturbed student as well. Social scientists conclude that EQ is perhaps best observed in people described as either pessimists or optimists. Optimists have high EQ and treat obstacles as minor, while the pessimistic low-EQ group personalizes all setbacks. In social research circles, high EQ denotes one s ability to survive, and it s here that there may be an overlap between EQ, IQ, genetics and environment.