An examination of emotional intelligence levels and academic self-efficacy of students in higher education institutions providing sports education
Keywords:
Academic self-efficacy, competence, emotion, emotional intelligenceAbstract
Aim: In this study, it was aimed to determine the emotional intelligence levels and academic self-efficacy of students studying in higher education institutions that provide sports education, and to examine whether there is a significant difference according to personal characteristics. To this end, the relational screening model, one of the quantitative research methods, was employed. Method: The universe of the research consists of students enrolled in the physical education and sports teaching, coaching education, sports management, and recreation departments of sports science faculties at state universities in Turkey during the 2021–2022 academic year. The sample consists of 905 university students selected by simple random sampling from Selçuk University, Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Niğde Ömer Halis Demir University, and Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University, all located in the Central Anatolia region. Data were collected through three instruments: the Personal Information Form, the Schutte Emotional Intelligence Scale, and the Academic Self-Efficacy Scale. Results: Correlation analysis revealed a positive and significant relationship between academic self-efficacy and the Optimism/Mood Regulation and Evaluation of Emotions sub-factors of the Schutte Emotional Intelligence Scale, while no significant relationship was found with the Use of Emotions sub-factor. Regression analysis confirmed that Optimism/Mood Regulation and Evaluation of Emotions significantly predicted academic self-efficacy (p < .05), together explaining 6.4% of the total variance, whereas Use of Emotions did not yield a significant predictive effect (p > .05). Conclusion: In conclusion, a significant model was established between the sub-factors of the Schutte Emotional Intelligence Scale and academic self-efficacy. The findings suggest that variables such as living environment, family attitudes, and cultural values influence individuals' emotional states, which in turn affect various aspects of their lives. Future studies incorporating qualitative methods are recommended to add further depth to these findings.
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