Academic stress and emotional intelligence among undergraduate students in selected universities in Ghana

Mary Braimah; Eleanor Bosompemaa Takyi; Ama Boatemah Sarpong; Dogbey Alice Emmanuella; Samuel Kwabla Segbefia

Authors

Mary Braimah
briamah.mary@yahoo.com
Department of Education and Professional Studies, Bagabaga College of Education, Ghana
Eleanor Bosompemaa Takyi Department of Education, Methodist College of Education, Ghana
Ama Boatemah Sarpong Department of Education, Kibi College of Education, Ghana
Dogbey Alice Emmanuella Department of Pedagogy, Akatsi College of Education, Ghana
Samuel Kwabla Segbefia Department of Business and Social Sciences Education, University of Cape Coast, Ghana

Keywords:

attrition, coping strategy, emotional intelligence, psychological stress, undergraduate students

Abstract

This study's objectives were to look at the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and perception of stress (PS) among Ghanaian undergraduate university students, as well as the gender differences in EI and PS scores. The present study included a sample of 460 undergraduate university students from three universities in universities in Ghana (Ashesi University, University of Ghana and University of Cape Coast). The Assessing Emotional Scale (AES) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) were utilized as part of a set of questionnaires to measure the variables under study. The link between EI and PS was investigated using Pearson correlations. The difference in genders' EI and PS scores was investigated using an independent samples t-test. The results revealed a strong positive correlation between the undergraduate university students' perception of emotion (PE) and psychological score (r=.146), management of own emotion (MOE) and PS (r=.296), management of others' emotion (MOTE) and PS (r=.197), and utilization of emotion (UE) and PS (r=.207). There was no statistically significant difference in the EI and PS scores according to the Independent Sample T-Test used to evaluate gender differences. This study aids in evaluating the connection between students' stress levels and emotional intelligence (EI). As a result, it will assist us in comprehending and disseminating knowledge about the emotional intelligence and perceived stress of university students during their undergraduate years.

Dimensions

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