Test Anxiety and Emotional Intelligence among Adolescents

Emotional intelligence of adolescents is worth looking, as it plays a key role in their mental health. In this age of globalization, where our traditional way of living is an a transitional phase, there is an increase in competition and stress among adolescents. This paper presents a perspective on relationship between emotional intelligence and test anxiety among adolescents. The sample(n=80) comprised of adolescents in the age range of l4-16 years, who were appearing for the board examination for the first time, are conveninently selected from various higher secondary schools in Trivandrum district, Kerala. Westside Test Anxiety Scale(WTAS) and Emotional intelligence Inventory (EII) are administered. It was hypothesized that emotional intelligence and socio - demographic factors would be a predictor of Test Anxiety. Results showed a negative correlation between emotional intelligence and test anxiety. Also a significant relation between type of family and emotional intelligence of adolescents are proven. It is important that parents should be aware of the emotional states which students are going through, as their support is very much crucial in adolescent's mental health. This study also discusses the implications of present findings, in school counsellig and education.