Abstract

• The purpose of this study was to examine the role of gender and socio-economic status on the emotional intelligence of early-adolescent youth in Myanmar. The relationship between demographic variables (gender and socioeconomic status) and emotionality factors (adaptability, general mood, intrapersonal stress, interpersonal stress, and stress management) was examined using a non-experimental correlational design. The simple random sampling technique was used to select 382 students (197 males and 184 female) from three high schools in Mandalay. Early adolescent fifth graders, who ranged in age from 10 to 13, made up the participants. The participants were administered the Myanmar version of the Bar-On Emotional Quotient Inventory and a demographic questionnaire. The demographic sample was described using descriptive statistics. The relationship between the Bar-On EQI scales was examined using a Pearson correlation. The significance of the gender difference in the Bar-On EQI scales was determined using a t-test analysis. The significance of the difference in total emotional intelligence among socioeconomic status (SES) was assessed using an analysis of variance (ANOVA). The findings showed that in terms of intrapersonal stress skills, interpersonal stress skills, adaptability, mood, and overall emotional intelligence, girls generally score higher than boys. The higher socio economic status group reported greater adaptability, mood, and overall emotional intelligence.