Testing the Emotions - a podcast by BBC Radio 4

Investigative journalist and author Fran Abrams looks at a popular but controversial programme designed to teach children emotional and social skills in schools. The concept of emotional intelligence has almost become a global ideology. It's taught, in one form or another, in around 70% of secondary and 90% of primary schools in England and is popular in Scotland and Wales too. But what exactly is emotional intelligence, can it really be developed and how sound are its scientific claims?

With contributions from:

Dave Read
Workshop leader

Professor Roger Weissberg
President of CASEL

Professor Katherine Weare
Southampton University

Pupils
Bournemouth Park School

Professor Richard Layard
Labour peer

Angela Hutchison
Head, Bournemouth Park School

Professor Neil Humphrey
Manchester University.

Further episodes of Analysis

Further podcasts by BBC Radio 4

Website of BBC Radio 4