Enhancing Peacebuilding Skills among Secondary School Students: An Empirical Assessment of Emotional Intelligence

Abstract

The study investigated the effect of emotional intelligence training in enhancing peacebuilding skills of secondary schools students in Ogun East Senatorial District of Ogun State, Nigeria. A pre- and post-test experimental-control group design was employed for the study. Gender which was used as a moderator variable was considered at 2 levels along with one (1) experimental and one (1) control groups. The study participants were one hundred and forty-four (144) Senior Secondary students randomly selected from 2 chosen public secondary schools in Ogun East Senatorial District of Ogun State. One standardized instrument was used in collecting data while analysis of covariance and t-test statistical methods were used to analyze the generated data. Emotional intelligence training programme was effective in fostering peacebuilding skills among secondary school students. The study further revealed that gender had no significant effect on students’ peacebuilding skills. Based on the findings, it was recommended that school psychologists are expected to incorporate the contents of emotional learning competencies into the training programmes in the schools. This will not only enhance positive outcomes but could also foster coping skills of students and other school members.

Keywords: Emotional intelligence training, peacebuilding skills, secondary schools students, Ogun State, Nigeria.