Yale Expert Marc Brackett Releases New Book on Emotional Regulation

Marc Brackett, a prominent figure in emotional intelligence, has published his second book, titled “Dealing with Feeling.” Released last month, the book focuses on equipping readers with skills to understand and manage their emotions effectively. Brackett serves as the founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and is a professor at the Child Study Center at Yale University.

In “Dealing with Feeling,” Brackett emphasizes the importance of emotional regulation, a skill he believes is vital for both personal well-being and interpersonal relationships. “It was, for me, very important to write a whole book just on one skill, which was to help people learn how to regulate their own emotions, but also importantly, how to engage in healthy co-regulation,” he stated. This concept involves helping others manage their feelings, creating a supportive environment for emotional health.

Brackett’s first book, “Permission to Feel,” published in 2019, introduced the fundamental concepts of emotional intelligence. It quickly gained popularity, prompting readers to seek guidance on managing their emotions as well. This demand led Brackett to develop “Dealing with Feeling,” which aims to provide practical strategies.

The book opens with a vision of an imaginary world where everyone can regulate their emotions. Brackett then explores the reasons emotional regulation remains a challenging topic for many individuals. He defines emotional regulation as a set of learned skills that align with personal goals and values, ultimately guiding readers toward wiser management of their feelings.

Brackett faced challenges during the writing process, noting, “I’m a much better storyteller when I’m on stage than I am sitting around thinking about a story to tell.” He utilized the very strategies outlined in his book, such as self-talk and seeking social support, to navigate these challenges. He credited colleagues Karen Niemi and Robin Stern at the Yale School of Medicine for their support and insights during the writing process.

Niemi highlighted their collaborative efforts, stating, “We had never-ending cycles of discussions on how to frame the information to strike a delicate balance in adding humor, relatability and research.” Stern echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of making the content relatable and reflective for readers. “He did a beautiful job of being personal and compassionate while also presenting a strong case for science,” she said.

Brackett’s aspirations for “Dealing with Feeling” are threefold. First, he hopes readers recognize the significance of emotional regulation across various aspects of life, including health, academic performance, and workplace dynamics. Second, he seeks to convey that emotional regulation is a skill that can be learned and refined through consistent practice. His third goal, which he describes as “audacious,” is to redefine success.

“If we define our success by how skillful we are at managing life’s ups and downs and at helping other people to do the same, the world will be a very different place,” Brackett explained. He contrasts this with traditional measures of success that often emphasize wealth and status.

The concept of emotional intelligence has gained traction in recent years, largely influenced by the work of former Yale President Peter Salovey, who helped develop the field. Brackett’s contributions continue to shape the understanding and application of emotional intelligence in contemporary settings.

“Dealing with Feeling” is positioned to reach a wide audience, offering insights that are both practical and scientifically grounded. As emotional intelligence becomes increasingly relevant in today’s fast-paced world, Brackett’s work provides a vital resource for individuals seeking to navigate their emotions thoughtfully and effectively.