Developing a multidimensional maturity framework for emotional awareness: A systematic literature review

This study presents a systematic literature review (SLR) aimed at identifying and analyzing the main dimensions and specific indicators in multidimensional emotional awareness (EA) maturity assessment instruments. Adhering to the PRISMA protocol and utilizing the Scopus database for the period 2015–2025, a total of 18 selected studies were examined through thematic and bibliometric analyses. The SLR results reveal that consistent dimensions in emotional awareness instruments include self-awareness, other-awareness, emotional clarity, differentiation, regulation, blending, as well as socio-emotional aspects such as empathy and social awareness. In addition, context-specific unique dimensions, such as physiological and moral indicators, were identified. The reviewed instruments generally integrate multidimensional approaches cognitive, affective, social, and physiological to comprehensively and culturally sensitively capture emotional maturity. These findings underscore the need for the development of emotional awareness assessment frameworks that are more responsive to individual development and cross-cultural variability, and that can effectively support evidence-based interventions across various applied fields.