Exploring the role of emotional intelligence in behavior-based safety coaching.
BACKGROUND
Safety coaching is an applied behavior analysis technique that involves interpersonal interaction to understand and manipulate environmental conditions that are directing (i.e., antecedent to) and motivating (i.e., consequences of) safety-related behavior. A safety coach must be skilled in interacting with others so as to understand their perspectives, communicate a point clearly, and be persuasive with behavior-based feedback.


METHODS
This article discusses the evidence-based "ability model" of emotional intelligence and its relevance to the interpersonal aspect of the safety coaching process.


RESULTS
Emotional intelligence has potential for improving safety-related efforts and other aspects of individuals' work and personal lives. Safety researchers and practitioners are therefore encouraged to gain an understanding of emotional intelligence and conduct and support research applying this construct toward injury prevention.
Wiegand
Douglas M
DM
Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, VA 24061, USA. dwiegand@vtti.vt.edu
D004644:Emotions; D005246:Feedback; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D011634:Public Health / Q000193:education*; D012449:Safety; D040241:Social Marketing; D014481:United States