Integrative Review Maps Neurobiological Underpinnings of Emotional Intelligence Across Prefrontal-Limbic Circuits and Neurotransmitter Systems

Emotional intelligence (EI) is a crucial neurocognitive construct linking affective processing, social behavior, and adaptive functioning. Despite its recognized importance, a cohesive neuroscientific framework integrating multidisciplinary findings has been lacking. Understanding the biological underpinnings of EI is vital for developing targeted interventions for conditions characterized by emotional dysregulation or social deficits. This review addresses the gap by synthesizing evidence across genetic, epigenetic, neuroanatomical, and neurophysiological domains, aiming to provide a comprehensive biological map of EI.

This integrative narrative review systematically synthesized multidisciplinary findings from a broad range of studies. Researchers drew on evidence from neuroimaging, molecular genetics, neurochemistry, and brain connectivity studies to map the biological underpinnings of Emotional Intelligence (EI). The review anchored its synthesis in the process model of emotion regulation and the social brain hypothesis, providing a cohesive framework. The methodology involved a qualitative synthesis of existing literature, rather than a quantitative meta-analysis, to integrate diverse perspectives on EI's biological basis.

The review found that Emotional Intelligence (EI) is fundamentally a product of dynamic interactions between specific neurobiological components. It highlighted the critical role of prefrontal-limbic circuits, which include key brain structures such as the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, anterior cingulate cortex, and insula. These structures operate within coordinated networks to support the recognition, regulation, and social cognition of emotions. Furthermore, the review identified several neurotransmitter systems as crucial modulators of emotional reactivity and cognitive control essential to EI. Specifically, dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) were shown to play significant roles. > Epigenetic modifications were also identified as a key mechanism explaining the lifelong plasticity of emotional capacities, demonstrating how environmental experiences can shape and refine EI over time. This comprehensive synthesis provides a robust neuroscientific framework for understanding the complex biological basis of EI.