GENDER AND EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE: AN ANALYSIS OF INTERMEDIATE STUDENTS IN MAHABUBNAGAR DISTRICT, TELANGANA

This study investigates the impact of gender on emotional intelligence (EI) among intermediate students in Mahabubnagar district, Telangana. Emotional intelligence, which includes the ability to recognize, understand, manage, and influence emotions in oneself and others, plays a vital role in academic achievement, social relationships, and mental well-being. The research adopted an exploratory-cum-descriptive design, utilizing both qualitative methods (such as observation and case studies) and quantitative tools (including an interview schedule) for data collection. To analyse the data, percentages, measures of central tendency, and chi-square statistical tests were employed to assess potential gender-based variations in EI. The results reveal a significant relationship between gender and emotional intelligence levels, highlighting important implications for educational strategies and emotional development in students. KEYWORDS: Emotional Intelligence (EI); Gender Differences; Intermediate Students; Academic Success; Educational Strategies; Mahabubnagar District;