Leadership in the posthuman era: psychosomatic balance and emotional intelligence
Lorina Buga
Virgil Madgearu Review of Economic Studies and Research January 21, 2026 DOI: 10.24193/rvm.2025.18.134 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Convergent mixed-methods study Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 96 |
| Population | Managers from 12 Moldovan small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in technology-intensive environments |
| Interventions | Breathwork Somatic tracking Relational practice |
| Duration | Eight-week intervention |
| Key points | The authors report that an eight-week psychosomatic intervention combining breathwork, somatic tracking, and relational practice was associated with significant reductions in stress-related physical symptoms, enhanced self-rated emotion regulation, and stronger leadership confidence among 96 managers. Qualitative accounts indicated greater interoception, improved empathy, and faster recovery after conflict. The authors argue that such practices extend emotional intelligence by rooting it in embodied awareness, supporting organizational resilience in the posthuman era. |
Abstract
Accelerating digitalization and algorithmic decision-making reshape managerial work but risk sidelining embodied emotion in leadership. This study examines whether a psychosomatic, body-mind-integrated approach can strengthen leaders’ emotional regulation and team dynamics in technologyintensive environments. A convergent mixed-methods design was applied with 96 managers from 12 Moldovan SMEs who participated in an eight-week intervention combining breathwork, somatic tracking, and relational practice. Results indicated significant reductions in stress-related physical symptoms, enhanced self-rated emotion regulation, and stronger leadership confidence. Qualitative data further revealed greater interoception, improved empathy, and faster recovery after conflict. These findings suggest that psychosomatic practices extend the concept of emotional intelligence by rooting it in embodied awareness, thereby supporting organizational resilience in the posthuman era. The article discusses implications for leadership development, HR policies, and organizational culture in transitional economies, as well as limitations of single-cohort studies.