IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

JOURNAL OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL POLICY (JHSP )

E-ISSN 2545-5729
P-ISSN 2695 2416
VOL. 10 NO. 6 2024
DOI: 10.56201/jhsp.v10.no6.2024.pg135.149

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The Role of Perceived Stress and Emotional Intelligence on Social Anxiety among Young Adults in Ekiti State, Nigeria

AROSO Sarah Onome and Olatunji Samuel Olutunde and Aina Olufunmilayo Elizabeth

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Abstract

The role of perceived stress, emotional intelligence on social anxiety among young adults selected across institutions in Ekiti State using a quantitative research design, data were collected from 198 students across three institutions. The findings revealed that students who reported higher levels of perceived stress also experienced significantly greater social anxiety (t (196) = 2.36, p < .05). However, perceived stress did not have a significant association with emotional intelligence (F (1, 196) = 0.12, p > .05). Notably, perceived stress was significantly linked to an increase in avoidance of social interaction, a sub-scale of social anxiety (F (1, 196) = 9.91, p < .01). The study also found that dimensions of emotional intelligence neither independently nor jointly predicted social anxiety (R² = .02, F (4, 193) = 0.79, p > .05). Additionally, there was no significant joint influence of perceived stress and emotional intelligence on social anxiety (R² = .03, F (2, 195) = 2.64, p > .05). These results highlight the complex interactions between stress, emotional intelligence, and social anxiety, offering valuable insights for mental health interventions within academic environments. The findings also suggest the need for further research, particularly in diverse contexts, given the contradictory results when compared with previous studies.

keywords:

Perceived stress, Emotional Intelligence, Social Anxiety, Young adults

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