Emotional Intelligence in Relation to Gender among Secondary School Students in Athi- River Sub-County, Kenya
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Date
2020
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
African Research Journal of Education and Social Sciences
Abstract
Abstract
An individual with high level of emotional intelligence is more likely to handle life challenges
more effectively than an individual with low level of emotional intelligence. Children in the age
bracket of 13-19 are in a critical phase of life that usher them to early adulthood. This phase is
characterized by heightened emotionality hence considered as stressful by many. As such, it is
imperative that they acquire necessary skills that will enable them identify, understand and
manage their emotions as they progress to adulthood. The aim of this study was to examine
gender differences in emotional intelligence of secondary school students. The study used quasiexperimental
design and results are at baseline analysis. The sample comprised of 120 students
ranging between 13-18 years studying in secondary schools in Athi-river Sub County. Purposive,
simple and systematic sampling techniques were used to select four private secondary schools
and the participants. Bar-On Emotional Quotient Inventory: Youth Version (EQ-i: YV) tool was
used to assess emotional intelligence. Spearman’s correlation and independent t-test were used
in data analysis. There was a statistically significant correlation between gender and emotional
intelligence with females having higher emotional intelligence mean scores than males.
Moreover both genders differed significantly in two dimensions of emotional intelligence; female
students showed higher stress management skills while male students showed higher scores on
general mood. Based on the findings, it was recommended that the ministry of education should
provide for gender-based life skills training to improve emotional intelligence with respect to
these gender differences.
Description
Journal Article
Keywords
Emotional intelligence, gender, adolescents
Citation
Ngondi, Authors: Rose., Khasakhala, Lincoln & Yugi, Philemon., (2020)., Emotional Intelligence in Relation to Gender among Secondary School Students in Athi- River Sub-County, Kenya., African Research Journal of Education and Social Sciences