ABSTRACT

This study examined the emotional intelligence as predictor of counsellors’ effectiveness in Secondary schools in Abia State. The study was guided by six research questions and six null hypotheses. The literature related to the study was reviewed under the conceptual framework, theoretical framework, Empirical studies and summary of the literature review. The study adopted a correlation research design. The population was 100 public secondary school Guidance counsellors in Abia State. The sample size used was 85 Guidance counsellors which includes 44 female Guidance counsellors and 41 male Guidance counselors in Abia State drawn using Census sampling. Two research instruments were used in collecting the data for the study namely Emotional intelligence questionnaire (EIQ) and guidance counsellors effectiveness scale (CGES). The instruments were validated by three experts, from Guidance and Counseling. Psychology, Measurement and Evaluation, all from College of Education, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike. Reliability indices of 0.82(EIQ) and 0.83(GCES) respectively were obtained for the instruments. Data obtained for the study were analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient for research questions while all the hypotheses were tested using linear regression at 0.05 level of significance. It was found from the results of the analysis that emotional intelligence to a high extent predicted counsellors effectiveness in secondary schools. That dimensions of emotional intelligence (self-awareness, self-management, social awareness and relationship management) of guidance counsellor to a high extent predict counsellors effectiveness in secondary schools. Based on the findings it was recommended among others that the emotional intelligence as a factor should be considered in the employment of guidance counsellors and their training as well as in their specialization.