EMOTIONAL STABILITY AND SOCIAL INTELLIGENCE AS CORRELATES OF DRUG ADDICTION AMONG IN-SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS IN EDO STATE – International Journal of Social Sciences and Management Review

EMOTIONAL STABILITY AND SOCIAL INTELLIGENCE AS CORRELATES OF DRUG ADDICTION AMONG IN-SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS IN EDO STATE

Authors: Osunde, Yvonne, PhD & Adeyemi, F.T. PhD

ABSTRACT

This study examined the relationship between emotional stability, social intelligence, and drug addiction among in-school adolescents in Edo State, Nigeria. Guided by personality and social learning theories, the study adopted a correlational survey design with a sample of 400 secondary school students selected through multistage sampling. Three standardized instruments were used for data collection: the Emotional Stability Scale (ESS), the Tromsø Social Intelligence Scale (TSIS), and the Drug Addiction Questionnaire (DAQ) developed by the researcher. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and multiple regression. Results revealed a significant negative relationship between emotional stability and drug addiction (r = –.46, p < .01), as well as between social intelligence and drug addiction (r = –.39, p < .01). Furthermore, emotional stability (β = –.38, p < .01) and social intelligence (β = –.27, p < .01) jointly predicted 32% of the variance in drug addiction (R = .57, R² = .32, F(2, 397) = 93.42, p < .01). These findings suggest that adolescents with higher emotional stability and greater social intelligence are less likely to engage in drug use. The study highlights the importance of school-based interventions aimed at strengthening students’ psychological resilience and social competence as preventive strategies against substance abuse. Recommendations include integrating counselling, stress management, and social skills training into secondary school curricular in Edo State.

Keywords: emotional stability, social intelligence, drug addiction, adolescents, Edo State

REFERENCES

Adeosun, A. O., & Ojarikre, M. A. (2024). Peer influence and behavioural outcomes among in-school adolescents in Nigeria. Journal of Adolescent Behaviour Studies, 12(1), 44–58.
Adeboye, T. S., & Salami, K. A. (2022). Emotional instability and substance use tendencies among secondary school students in Southwestern Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Educational Psychology, 6(2), 77–92.
Aisien, R. O., & Igbinedion, E. O. (2024). Socio-economic challenges and adolescent substance use in Edo State. African Journal of Social Development, 9(1), 101–117.
Ali, M. T., & Ibrahim, F. K. (2024). Social intelligence and peer pressure resistance among senior secondary school students in Northern Nigeria. Journal of Social and Behavioural Sciences, 18(2), 33–49.
Bandura, A. (1977). Social learning theory. Prentice-Hall.
Bello, S. B., & Olukoya, A. O. (2023). Emotional stability as a predictor of substance use among Nigerian adolescents. West African Journal of Psychology, 15(2), 55–70.
Chinonso, C. I., & Yusuf, A. O. (2023). Social intelligence and peer relationship quality among adolescents in Lagos State. Journal of Child and Adolescent Studies, 7(3), 88–102.
Eysenck, H. J. (1990). Biological dimensions of personality. In L. A. Pervin (Ed.), Handbook of personality theory and research (pp. 244–276). Guilford Press.
Eze, C. U., & Omoruyi, S. O. (2023). Patterns of tramadol and codeine use among secondary school students in Benin City. Nigerian Journal of Health and Behaviour, 11(2), 63–78.
Musa, A. Y., & Adekeye, O. A. (2023). Social competence, academic adjustment, and risk behaviours among in-school adolescents. Journal of Educational and Developmental Psychology, 14(1), 52–67.
Ojedokun, O. O. (2023). Emotional regulation and adolescents’ coping strategies in Nigerian secondary schools. International Journal of Psychology and Counselling, 9(4), 90–105.
Okogun, B. E. (2023). Prevalence and patterns of drug use among adolescents in Edo State. Journal of Substance Use and Health, 5(1), 21–36.
Salovey, P., & Mayer, J. D. (1990). Emotional intelligence. Imagination, Cognition and Personality, 9(3), 185–211.
Thorndike, E. L. (1920). Intelligence and its uses. Harper’s Magazine, 140, 227–235.
Edo State Universal Basic Education Board. (2025). Annual report on basic education in Edo State. Edo State Universal Basic Education Board.