What is referred to as the ability to understand and relate to the feelings and emotions of others?

The ability to understand and relate to the feelings and emotions of others is best described by the concept of interpersonal intelligence. This form of intelligence encompasses skills such as empathy, recognizing social cues, and effectively communicating with others. Individuals with strong interpersonal intelligence excel in interactions and often thrive in roles that require teamwork and collaboration, making it essential in fields such as counseling, teaching, and many areas of customer service.

In contrast, intrapersonal intelligence refers to an individual’s capacity to understand themselves, including their emotions, motivations, and how they relate to their inner world. Emotional intelligence, while also relevant, broadly encompasses both intrapersonal and interpersonal skills, focusing on recognizing one's own emotions as well as those of others. Musical intelligence pertains specifically to an aptitude in music-related tasks, which does not relate to understanding emotions in a social context. Thus, interpersonal intelligence is the clearest match for the question regarding understanding and relating to others’ feelings.