UNDERSTANDING EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND GENDER DIFFERENCES IN ADOLESCENTS POPULATION
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Keywords
Emotional Intelligence, Gender Differences, Adolescents, Socio-Economic Status, School Environment
Abstract
Objective: This study aims to examine emotional intelligence (EI) in adolescents and its gender-based variations influenced by social parameters.
Study design: A cross-sectional study
Place and Duration: This study was conducted in Kollam City of Kerala India over period of 3 months
Methodology: EI was assessed among 500 tenth-grade students using Schutte’s Self-Reported EI Test. Adolescents, aged 14-16 years, were randomly selected from various secondary schools. Random sampling ensured a representative sample of the population. Additionally, a sociodemographic questionnaire was employed to gather relevant background information, including SES, type of school (co-educational or gender-specific), and other contextual variables.
Results: EI was impacted by socio-economic status (SES) more in girls than boys (P = 0.003 and P = 0.036, respectively). Co-educational schools showed lower EI compared to gender-specific schools (P < 0.001). EI differences were significant among girls (P = 0.001) but not boys (P = 0.154) based on school type. The type of school attended had a notable impact on EI. Students from co-educational schools had lower EI scores (mean = 116.2, SD = 15.4) compared to those from gender-specific schools (mean = 124.8, SD = 14.2) (P < 0.001).
Conclusion: Enhancing SES and integrating mental health components into school health services can improve adolescent EI. Gender-specific EI training programs addressing socio-economic and other contextual issues are recommended for long-term benefits.
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Sreelakshmi Menon
Junior Resident, Travancore Medical College Hospital Kollam, Kerala, India.
Vishnu Jayachandran Nair
General Practitioner and Medical Director, Al Shifa Medical Centre, Umm Al Quwain, United Arab Emirates.
Dany Rajakumar
General Practitioner, Primacare Clinic L.L.C Sharjah United Arab Emirates.
Akhil Raj
Junior Resident Doctor, Travancore Medical College Hospital Kollam, Kerala, India.
Parvathi Gireesh Sandhya
Junior Resident, Upasana Hospital Kollam, Kerala, India.