EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND SELF-CONCEPT AS CORRELATES OF ADOLESCENTS SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION (SP) AFFILATED TO UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN OYO NIGERIA

Emotional intelligence plays a pivotal role in how adolescents manage peer pressure, a significant factor influencing their sexual behaviour. Adolescents with well-developed emotional intelligence may possess better skills in asserting themselves, resisting negative peer influences, and making decisions aligned with their values and well-being. This study investigated the relationships between emotional intelligence, self-concept, and sexual behavior among adolescent undergraduates in Oyo State, Nigeria. The research employed a descriptive survey design and utilized a sample of 100 undergraduate students from the University of Ibadan, Faculty of Education (UI-FCES). Emotional intelligence and self-concept were assessed using adapted questionnaires, and sexual behavior was measured through self- report. Pearson's Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMC) was used to test the hypotheses. The findings revealed a weak but statistically significant positive correlation between emotional intelligence and sexual behavior (r = 0.109, p = 0.03). However, no significant correlation was found between self-concept and sexual behavior (r = 0.1284, p = 0.35). Furthermore, the combined relationship of emotional intelligence and self- concept did not significantly predict sexual behavior (F = 0.921, p = 0.402). The results highlight the complexity of factors influencing sexual behavior among adolescent undergraduates and underscore the need for further research to identify key determinants of responsible sexual behavior. The study contributes to the understanding of the relationships between emotional intelligence, self-concept, and sexual behavior, and has implications for the development of interventions and educational programs aimed at promoting responsible sexual behavior among young Nigeria.