Emotional Intelligence of Early Adolescent Students in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State: The Predicting Roles of Self- Efficacy and Locus of Control

Abstract

The study assessed how the emotional intelligence of early adolescents in Obio-Akpor local
government area, Rivers State is predicted by their self-efficacy and locus of control. Data
from 395 out of 29,058 respondents were obtained using descriptive and correlational
survey design following multi-stage sampling techniques. Four research questions and 3
null hypotheses guided the study. A structured questionnaire, emotional intelligence scale,
Levenson’s multidimensional Locus of Control Scale, and General Self-Efficacy Scale were
instruments used for data collection. Cronbach alpha reliability index was used to calculate
the reliability of the instruments and scores of 0.83, 0.89 and 0.83 were obtained
respectively. The obtained data were analyzed in IBM SPSS version 23 using descriptive
and inferential statistics at p < 0.05. The findings revealed that emotional intelligence and
locus of control levels among adolescents were low respectively. A high self-efficacy status
was however recorded among the respondents. Locus of control and self-efficacy predicted
emotional intelligence by 35%. Being a male or a female was associated with emotional
intelligence and self-efficacy in adolescents. In addition, being a border or day student was
associated with the adolescents’ emotional intelligence, locus of control, and self-efficacy.
Emotional intelligence, locus of control, and self-efficacy differed based on the type of
school the adolescents attend. Based on the findings, it was recommended that education
programs targeted at enhancing the ability of adolescents to recognize and differentiate
feelings should be organized by schools and governmental and non-governmental
organizations.