Signals and their detection: Basic perceptual sensitivity as a foundation for emotional clarity

Perceptual achievements would seem to require multiple skills related to collecting and organizing sensory input, comparing this input to categorical templates, and making decisions in accordance with current goals. Individual differences in such processes should be especially apparent under conditions of degraded input, even in simple tasks. A three study program of research (N = 305) developed procedures to quantify such variations in perceptual sensitivity, then linked the relevant skills to variations in emotional clarity, which is an operationalization of emotional intelligence. Individuals who were better able to differentiate their perceptions related to color and line length reported greater emotional clarity (Study 1) and displayed higher levels of clarity in emotion knowledge (Study 2) and emotion rating (Study 3) tasks. The studies provide new insights into the perceptual sensitivity construct while linking the relevant skills to individual differences in the manner in which emotions are understood and experienced.

Automated summary

Perceptual achievements involve multiple skills related to collecting, organizing, comparing, and decision-making, with individual differences being particularly apparent under degraded input conditions. Studies found that individuals who were better able to differentiate perceptions related to color and line length exhibited greater emotional clarity, linking these skills to individual differences in how emotions are understood and experienced.