EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE IN OPEN, DISTANCE, ONLINE AND DIGITAL EDUCATION

This bibliometric mapping study intended to explore research trends, key contributors, pioneering studies, predominant reach areas and topics as well as possible gaps related to emotional intelligence in the fields of open, distance, online and digital education. A total of 117 publications were included into analysis indexed in WoS and SCOPUS databases. The results have revealed that research in the field of emotional intelligence in ODODE is dynamic and growing. However, to realize its full potential, it needs to grow not only quantitatively, but also in terms of conceptual depth, methodological rigor and practical integration. By responding to the opportunities and challenges highlighted in this report, the field can make an important contribution to more humane, effective and inclusive digital learning environments. This research addresses questions concerning emotional intelligence in open, distance, online, and digital education, including the evolution of research over time, key contributors, seminal studies, dominant research domains and emerging topics, as well as unexplored areas for future investigation.