Final answer:
The claim that emotional intelligence has universally increased over time is false. Emotional intelligence encompasses a range of abilities related to understanding and regulating emotions, but the assertion that it has increased for everyone lacks strong empirical support.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the general competency of emotional intelligence of individuals has increased over time is false.
Emotional intelligence includes a range of abilities such as recognizing and understanding one's own emotions and those of others, showing empathy, comprehending social relationships and cues, and regulating one's own emotions to respond appropriately in various cultural contexts.
While Gardner's theories suggest that emotional intelligence is critical and Goleman has argued that it is a better predictor of success than IQ, evidence for an actual increase in emotional intelligence over time is not strongly supported.
It should be understood that the capacity for emotional intelligence can develop with mindful practices and education, but saying that the general competency has increased across individuals over time would require substantial longitudinal data which is not explicitly cited.