MATERNAL PARENTING STYLES, GENDER DIFFERENCES AND EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE: A CORRELATIONAL STUDY OF NIGERIAN ADOLESCENTS
This study investigated how emotional intelligence of selected Nigerian adolescents relates to their perceptions of
maternal parenting styles while also exploring potential gender-based variations in these perceptions. The sample
was selected across twelve (12) randomly chosen government secondary schools in 2 states in South West Nigeria,
namely Osun State and Ondo State. Utilizing a descriptive correlational survey design, 325 students (119 males
and 206 females) were purposively sampled. Data collection relied on two validated instruments: an adapted 24
item version of Buri’s (1991) Parental Authority Questionnaire and a 28-item Emotional Intelligence Scale
structured around Goleman’s (1998) four-component framework. Data collected were analysed using descriptive,
t-test of independent samples and Pearson Product Moment Correlation statistics. The hypotheses were tested
at .05 level of significance. Findings of the study revealed that the adolescents perceived their mothers as
predominantly authoritative though elements of authoritarian and permissive styles were also recognised.
Significant gender differences were found in the adolescents' perception of mothers as authoritative in favour of
the girls, whereas male participants reported higher levels of maternal permissiveness. There was no significant
gender difference in the perception of mothers as authoritarian. Crucially, correlation analyses revealed that
adolescents' emotional intelligence shared a significant positive relationship with both authoritative and
authoritarian maternal styles, whereas a significant negative relationship was observed with maternal
permissiveness. The study concluded that maternal child-rearing practices and parenting styles play a distinct role
in shaping adolescents’ emotional capabilities within the studied environment. Based on these dynamics, parents,
education practitioners and school guidance counselors in particular, must develop a deep understanding of the
importance of emotional intelligence and its characteristics alongside practical intervention strategies. Such
expertise is essential for equipping both parents and students with the necessary support systems to actively
enhance students' social-emotional development and improving the emotional intelligence levels of students.
Maternal Parenting Styles, Emotional Intelligence, Adolescence, Gender, Nigeria.