Association of personality traits and emotional intelligence with risky sexual and health behaviours among adolescents in tertiary institutions in Enugu State, Nigeria
Association of personality traits and emotional intelligence with risky sexual and health behaviours among adolescents in tertiary institutions in Enugu State, Nigeria

Summary/Abstract: Some psychological constructs including personality traits and emotional intelligence could be vital in explaining a person’s thoughts, actions, interpretations, judgements and behaviours. This study adopted correlational research design to establish the association of personality traits and emotional intelligence with risky sexual and health behaviours among adolescents in tertiary institutions in Enugu state. Four research questions guided the study. A total of 325 students in 300 and 400 levels from three selected higher institutions in Enugu state who accepted indulgence in risky sexual and health behaviours formed the sample of the study. Three sets of instruments namely: Costa & McCrae (1985) personality questionnaire (CMPQ), Emotional Intelligence Self Assessment instrument (EISAI) adapted from the work of Sterreth (2000) and United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (1999) Youth risky sexual behaviour test (YRSBT) were used for the study. Reliability of the instruments was established using Cronbach alpha and an internal coefficient of 0.76 was obtained for CMPQ, 0.78 for EISAI and finally 0.80 for YRSBT. The data were analyzed using correlation and regression statistical analysis. The results showed that both psychological constructs wheel tremendous influence on the adolescents, indulgence in risky sexual and health behaviours. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that intervention programs aimed at building positive emotional skills in adolescents should be embarked upon and also control of drug intake and alcoholic drink consumption among adolescents’ should be regulated by the university administration and government.

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