Dr. Anabel Jensen, the President of Six Seconds, explains: "Kohlberg and associates' research showed that we move toward higher levels of moral development by discussing moral dilemmas and the implications of choices and actions. We'd like our journal to invite that kind of discussion and participation."

So what is the relationship between emotional intelligence and moral development? Joshua Freedman, EQ Today Editor: "Emotional intelligence, or EQ, includes skills like empathy that help us see the consequences of our actions. "In turn, this awareness shapes the day to day choices we make -- and since we make those choices based on what feels right or wrong, developing emotional intelligence is actually honing our moral-decision-making sense."

Dr. Jensen continues: "It is critical that parents and educators know about these skills and intelligences because they are so integral to a child's development. Not only does emotional intelligence affect moral development, it is what allows, or prevents, a child from making the most of her potential.

"A brilliant youngster with no motivation will fail where someone with perseverance -- despite less verbal or mathematical skill -- will succeed. It is critical, then, that we educate this part of a child just as carefully as we educate his academic side."

Jensen ticks off a half dozen examples -- from "Edison -- brilliant, but succeeded through perseverance," to "Eichmann [headed part of Hitler's Gestapo], brilliant (and perseverant), but morally depraved because he lacked empathy. These skills must be fused together."

EQ TODAY and its web companion are published by Six Seconds, a nonprofit organization that provides training and materials for emotional intelligence.

The goal? According to Freedman, "Schools, communities and organizations where every day, every moment -- even when times are tough -- we are supported to make good decisions and live by principles."

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