Based upon various different research conclusions, Goleman expresses the strong belief that social problems, particularly the worsening problems among children and adolescents, are linked to the emotions. For example, crime rates, suicide rates, underage pregnancy and drug use, as well as many kinds of psychological disorders such as depression and anorexia can all be attributed to individual emotional disorders or defects.
高曼列舉多項研究，極力主張社會問題，特別是兒童與青少年問題的惡化，與情緒都有關聯，譬如犯罪率、自殺率、少女生育率、吸毒，以及許多心理疾病抑鬱症、飲食失調症都可以追溯到個案的情緒疾病與缺陷。