A Study on the Effectiveness of Emotional Intelligence – Based Intervention Programme on Anxiety among Adolescents

Abstract

Anxiety disorders are significant concern among adolescents, affecting their social, academic and emotional well-being. As stated by the WHO, about one-seventh of the adolescents in the age range of 10 – 19 years struggle with a mental illness, with anxiety disorders being the most prevalent. During this critical phase of development, adolescents face unique challenges that can contribute to high anxiety levels. However, by learning effective coping strategies, such as understanding their emotional patterns, and developing emotional intelligence (EI), they can empower themselves to manage anxiety and develop a stronger sense of well-being. By addressing anxiety and developing healthy coping mechanisms, including emotional intelligence, adolescents can unlock a brighter future, characterized by increased confidence, better relationships, and greater academic and professional success. The primary goal of this research is to know the gender difference in anxiety of adolescents. It also examines the impact of intervention on anxiety of adolescents. The sample consists of one sixty adolescents (male-80 and female-80). The questionnaires consisting of Demographic information form, Kuppuswamy socioeconomic scale and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale are administered individually on the subjects at pre-intervention and post-intervention. A subsample of eighty subjects received a one-month intervention program aimed at reducing anxiety. The results indicate a statistically significant difference in anxiety among adolescents. Female adolescents have higher anxiety level than male adolescents. It also reveals that the intervention has a positive impact on reducing anxiety levels among adolescents. The findings suggest that interventions can be a valuable adjunct to anxiety management strategies, offering a promising avenue for mitigating the debilitating effects of anxiety. The implications of this research underscore the value of developing and providing interventions to the adolescents’ mental health concerns.