EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE DEVELOPMENT OF MEDICAL STUDENTS THROUGH ENGLISH LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION

Emotional intelligence is increasingly recognised as an essential psychological resource in the professional development of future medical specialists.In everyday medical practice, the ability to understand one's own emotions, empathise with others and regulate emotional responses plays a crucial role in communication with patients, collaboration within healthcare teams and coping with professional stress.Against this background, the development of emotional intelligence during medical training becomes particularly significant.This article aims to theoretically substantiate the potential of English language instruction as an educational context for fostering emotional intelligence in medical students.The study is theoretical in nature and is grounded in the emotional intelligence model proposed by Mayer and Salovey, as well as in contemporary approaches within educational and social psychology.English language classes are viewed not merely as a space for acquiring linguistic competence, but as a psychologically meaningful learning environment that naturally encourages emotional interaction, reflection, perspective-taking and empathic communication.The article explores key psychological mechanisms that contribute to the development of emotional intelligence during foreign language learning, including emotional awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and social competence.Particular attention is paid to the specific conditions of medical education, characterised by high emotional demands and intensive interpersonal interaction.It is argued that the inclusion of emotionally engaging tasks, reflective practices and communicative scenarios in English language instruction can support the development of emotional intelligence and contribute to the formation of professionally critical psychological qualities in future physicians.The study's conclusions may be of interest to psychologists, educators, and specialists involved in higher medical education.