Components of Emotional Intelligence (Self-Awareness and Self-Regulation) and Conflict Resolution Skills among Adolescents in Rivers State

Abstract

This research examined the relationship between emotional intelligence and conflict resolution skills among adolescents in Rivers State, Nigeria. The study was correlational. The sample comprised adolescents in senior secondary school (high school) in Rivers State, Nigeria. Specifically, a sample of 400 adolescents was selected from four senior secondary schools using stratified random sampling. Participants’ emotional intelligence and conflict resolution skills were measured with two standard questionnaires, with reported reliability coefficients of .84 and .81, respectively. Data analysis was conducted using the Pearson Product-Moment correlation, with the level of significance set at .05. The results indicated that adolescents’ self-awareness of their emotional state and behaviours is positively linearly correlated with their ability to manage social discord (conflict). Therefore, adolescents with higher levels of emotional self-awareness (who monitor and are aware of their emotional state and behaviours) are more proficient at managing social discord (conflicts). The findings indicate a significant, positive relationship between self-regulation and conflict resolution skills. This means that adolescents who can control and manage their emotional reactions tend to resolve conflicts more positively. Further findings indicate that self-regulation was more strongly related to conflict resolution skills than self-awareness. This study posits that emotional intelligence is a significant determinant of adolescents' conflict resolution skills. This study, therefore, advocates for the inclusion of emotional intelligence training in schools and counselling services to improve the quality of interpersonal relationships and reduce conflict in schools in Rivers State.