Could it be acting? : research in the emotional intelligence of 8-10 year old children whilst attending a theatre arts school

Abstract

This qualitative study aims to gam insight on self-confidence development that two children (a girl and a boy) between the ages of eight to ten years may experience during local theatre arts classes. The study seeks to research the 'self-confidence' component in Emotional Intelligence, as according to Daniel Goleman's Five Ingredients on Emotional Intelligence (also known as E.Q.), (Goleman, 1995). By means of case studies and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, in which interviews and class observations were carried out, it was examined whether the children were steadily developing in emotional intelligence via theatre arts or not. Results conveyed that the two child participants differed in levels of E.Q. promoted in theatre class. However, both participants were positively affected by E.Q. intervention. The categories of interpersonal skills and perceptions, self-confidence, enthusiasm, interest and potential emerged through the acquired data. This study consequently conveys that self-confidence is increased through theatre classes via such aforementioned categories, however, at different levels for either child.