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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

In the intricate tapestry of human development, adolescence emerges as a critical juncture marked by profound physical, cognitive, and emotional transformations. As adolescents navigate the tumultuous waters of self-discovery, societal expectations, and peer influences, their emotional intelligence plays a pivotal role in shaping their behavioral responses. Emotional intelligence, a multifaceted construct encompassing the awareness, understanding, regulation, and expression of emotions, holds immense significance in determining how adolescents perceive, interpret, and respond to the world around them. This introduction delves into the intricate relationship between emotional intelligence and behavior problems among adolescents, shedding light on the nuanced interplay that contributes to the complex landscape of adolescent development.

At the heart of the discussion lies the concept of emotional intelligence, a term popularized by psychologists Peter Salovey and John Mayer and later popularized by Daniel Goleman. Emotional intelligence extends beyond mere intellectual prowess, encompassing a spectrum of abilities that enable individuals to navigate the social and emotional intricacies of life. These abilities include the recognition and understanding of one's own emotions, the capacity to empathize with others, effective emotional regulation, and the skillful management of interpersonal relationships.

For adolescents, the development of emotional intelligence is a dynamic process intertwined with the challenges and triumphs of adolescence. This phase is marked by the heightened intensity of emotions, ranging from the ecstasy of newfound independence to the depths of identity exploration and societal pressures. Adolescents are tasked with not only deciphering their own emotional landscape but also learning to navigate the intricate emotional tapestry of their peers and the wider social sphere. The cultivation of emotional intelligence during this period lays the foundation for adaptive coping mechanisms, resilience, and the ability to forge meaningful connections.

As adolescents navigate the maze of emotional development, behavior problems often emerge as manifestations of underlying emotional struggles. These behavior problems encompass a diverse range, including aggression, defiance, substance abuse, and academic underachievement. Rather than viewing these behaviors in isolation, it is imperative to recognize them as potential signals of deeper emotional unrest. The etiology of behavior problems in adolescence is complex and multifaceted, influenced by a confluence of biological, environmental, and psychosocial factors.

Exploring the nexus between emotional intelligence and behavior problems requires a nuanced understanding of the mechanisms through which emotional intelligence influences behavioral outcomes. Adolescents with heightened emotional intelligence are better equipped to comprehend and manage their emotions, which, in turn, influences their behavioral responses. Conversely, deficits in emotional intelligence may contribute to maladaptive behaviors as adolescents grapple with the challenges of emotional regulation, interpersonal conflicts, and stressors inherent in their developmental journey.

The relationship between emotional intelligence and behavior problems is dynamic and bidirectional. Emotional intelligence serves as both a catalyst for positive behavioral outcomes and a protective factor against the pitfalls of maladaptive behaviors. Adolescents endowed with a high level of emotional intelligence may exhibit enhanced prosocial behaviors, effective conflict resolution skills, and a heightened capacity for empathy. These individuals are better poised to navigate the social intricacies of adolescence, fostering healthier relationships and adaptive coping strategies.

Conversely, deficits in emotional intelligence may pave the way for behavior problems, acting as a conduit through which emotional turmoil finds expression. Adolescents grappling with limited emotional awareness or regulation skills may resort to maladaptive behaviors as a means of coping with internal distress. The inability to articulate and understand their emotional experiences may manifest in externalized behaviors that pose challenges not only to the individual but also to their interpersonal relationships and academic pursuits.

In unraveling the intricate connection between emotional intelligence and adolescents' behavior problems, it becomes evident that these two constructs are inseparable facets of the developmental journey. As adolescents grapple with the complexities of emotional maturation, societal expectations, and peer dynamics, their emotional intelligence becomes a guiding force shaping their behavioral responses. This exploration seeks to illuminate the nuances of this interplay, recognizing emotional intelligence not merely as a static trait but as a dynamic force influencing the trajectory of adolescent development.

The subsequent sections of this discourse will delve deeper into specific dimensions of emotional intelligence, examining their impact on distinct aspects of adolescents' behavior problems. By unraveling the threads of this complex relationship, we endeavor to contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the intricate interplay between emotional intelligence and behavior outcomes during this pivotal stage of human development.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The study on emotional intelligence and adolescents' behavior problems addresses a critical gap in current research, aiming to elucidate the intricate relationship between emotional intelligence and maladaptive behaviors during the crucial developmental phase of adolescence. Despite the burgeoning interest in both emotional intelligence and adolescent behavior, there exists a dearth of comprehensive investigations into how these constructs interconnect and influence one another.

Adolescence, marked by heightened emotional intensity and identity exploration, is a period where individuals grapple with complex social dynamics, peer pressures, and societal expectations. Behavior problems often emerge as visible manifestations of underlying emotional struggles, yet the specific role of emotional intelligence in shaping these behavioral outcomes remains inadequately understood.

This study seeks to address the following questions: To what extent does emotional intelligence act as a protective factor against behavior problems in adolescence? How do specific dimensions of emotional intelligence, such as emotion recognition, regulation, and empathy, impact the likelihood of engaging in maladaptive behaviors? By identifying these critical connections, the research endeavors to contribute valuable insights for educators, parents, and mental health professionals, offering a foundation for the development of targeted interventions aimed at fostering emotional intelligence and mitigating behavior problems during this pivotal stage of human development.

 

OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

Objective of the Study: To investigate the relationship between emotional intelligence and adolescents' behavior problems, elucidating the role of emotional intelligence in influencing maladaptive behaviors during the critical developmental stage of adolescence.

Specific Objectives:

To assess the level of emotional intelligence among adolescents, considering key dimensions such as emotion recognition, regulation, and empathy. To examine the prevalence and nature of behavior problems in the adolescent population under study, encompassing a range of maladaptive behaviors, including aggression, defiance, substance abuse, and academic underachievement. To explore the nuanced connections between specific facets of emotional intelligence and distinct categories of behavior problems, aiming to identify patterns and correlations that contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the interplay between emotional intelligence and adolescents' behavioral outcomes.

 

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

How does the level of emotional intelligence vary among adolescents, particularly in terms of emotion recognition, regulation, and empathy? What is the prevalence and nature of behavior problems among adolescents, encompassing a spectrum of maladaptive behaviors such as aggression, defiance, substance abuse, and academic underachievement? In what ways do specific dimensions of emotional intelligence, such as emotion recognition, regulation, and empathy, correlate with distinct categories of behavior problems in adolescents, and what patterns can be identified to better understand the intricate interplay between emotional intelligence and behavioral outcomes during adolescence?

RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

1. Hypothesis (H1): There is a positive correlation between the level of emotional intelligence among adolescents and their ability to recognize, regulate, and empathize with emotions.

Null Hypothesis (H0): There is no significant correlation between the level of emotional intelligence and the ability to recognize, regulate, and empathize with emotions among adolescents.

2. Hypothesis (H2): There is a significant association between the prevalence and nature of behavior problems among adolescents, encompassing maladaptive behaviors such as aggression, defiance, substance abuse, and academic underachievement.

Null Hypothesis (H0): There is no significant association between the prevalence and nature of behavior problems among adolescents and the identified maladaptive behaviors.

3. Hypothesis (H3): Specific dimensions of emotional intelligence, including emotion recognition, regulation, and empathy, are predictive of distinct categories of behavior problems among adolescents.

Null Hypothesis (H0): There is no predictive relationship between specific dimensions of emotional intelligence and distinct categories of behavior problems among adolescents.

 

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.

 

SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This study focuses on exploring the relationship between emotional intelligence and behavior problems among adolescents. It encompasses an examination of emotional intelligence dimensions, such as emotion recognition and regulation, and various behavior problems, including aggression and academic underachievement. The study targets a diverse adolescent population to provide comprehensive insights.

 

LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The demanding schedule of respondents at work made it very difficult getting the respondents to participate in the survey. As a result, retrieving copies of questionnaire in timely fashion was very challenging. Also, the researcher is a student and therefore has limited time as well as resources in covering extensive literature available in conducting this research. Information provided by the researcher may not hold true for all businesses or organizations but is restricted to the selected organization used as a study in this research especially in the locality where this study is being conducted. Finally, the researcher is restricted only to the evidence provided by the participants in the research and therefore cannot determine the reliability and accuracy of the information provided.

Financial constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

Time constraint: The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.

 

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Emotional Intelligence (EI): The capacity to recognize, understand, regulate, and express emotions effectively, encompassing dimensions such as self-awareness, empathy, and interpersonal skills. Adolescents: Individuals in the transitional phase between childhood and adulthood, typically aged 10 to 19 years, marked by physical, cognitive, and emotional maturation.

Behavior Problems: Observable and maladaptive actions or conduct exhibited by adolescents, including but not limited to aggression, defiance, substance abuse, and academic underachievement.

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