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.