R. Saravanakumar and K.K. Rajendran
Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, India
Pages: 162-168
This study examined the emotional competence of arts and science college students
in Karur District, Tamil Nadu, India. A descriptive survey design was employed, and
data were collected from 300 students using stratified random sampling based on
gender, academic discipline, locality, and institutional type. Emotional competence
was assessed with the Emotional Competence Scale developed by Geetha and Abdul
Hameed Mahal (2006). Statistical analyses, including t-tests and correlation tests,
were applied to identify differences and relationships among variables. Results indicated
a significant gender difference, with female students scoring higher in emotional
competence than male students. No significant differences were found between arts
and science disciplines, undergraduate and postgraduate levels, or rural and urban
groups. Apart from gender, none of the demographic variables showed a significant
association with emotional competence. These findings underscore the importance of
incorporating emotional learning initiatives in higher education to strengthen emotional
awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and interpersonal skills, thereby enhancing both
academic achievement and personal growth