Emotional Intelligence in Relation to Gender among Secondary School Students in Athi-river Sub-County, Kenya

Authors: Rose Ngondi ¹, Lincoln Khasakhala ², Philemon Yugi ^3
1Department of Counselling Psychology, Daystar University
P.O Box 44400 -00100, Nairobi – Kenya
Email: rosekngondi@gmail.com

²Department of Psychiatric, University of Nairobi
P.O Box 19676 -00202, Nairobi – Kenya
Email: Lincoln.khasakhala@uonbi.ac.ke

³Department of Development Studies, Daystar University
P.O Box 44400-00100, Nairobi – Kenya
Email. pyugi@daystar.ac.ke

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 quasi-experimental 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.

Key Words: Emotional intelligence, gender, adolescents and personality and competence

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