A Study of the Interactions Between Family Environment, Social Anxiety, and Emotional Intelligence Among Secondary School Students

Abstract

In today’s era, secondary school adolescents face various mental, social, and emotional challenges. Family environment plays a significant role in their emotional and mental stability. According to research, children from positive family environments exhibit fewer symptoms of social anxiety disorder and possess higher emotional intelligence. In contrast, adolescents from unstable or negative family environments experience increased social anxiety, which adversely affects their emotional intelligence. The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between family environment, social anxiety disorder, and emotional intelligence. The research methodology involved a purposive sample of 120 students out of 460 secondary school students, aged between 13 and 19 years. Three standardized tools were used for data collection: Family Climate Scale (FCS), Social Anxiety Disorder Scale (SADS), and Emotional Intelligence Scale (EIS). Statistical analysis was conducted using mean, standard deviation, t-values, and ANOVA. The analysis revealed significant findings. Students from positive family environments showed lower levels of social anxiety disorder. They experienced greater confidence in social situations due to the love, communication, and support they received from their families. Similarly, students from positive family environments demonstrated higher emotional intelligence. They were better at expressing their emotions, understanding others’ feelings, and adapting to social situations. Conversely, students with social anxiety disorder displayed lower emotional intelligence. They struggled with emotional regulation, effective communication, and managing stress. The study clearly indicates an interrelationship between family environment, social anxiety disorder, and emotional intelligence. A positive family environment reduces social anxiety, which directly enhances emotional intelligence. Based on these findings, certain recommendations were made. Schools should offer family counseling programs to improve communication skills among families. Training programs should be implemented at the school level to enhance students’ emotional intelligence. Awareness camps should be organized to educate about social anxiety disorders. Mental health services should be made available in schools to provide necessary support for students dealing with such issues. The study highlights that family environment significantly impacts adolescents’ mental and emotional development. A positive family environment boosts their social confidence and emotional stability, whereas a negative environment increases social anxiety and impairs emotional intelligence. Schools, families, and society need to collaborate to promote the mental and emotional well-being of adolescents.