Differences in Emotional Intelligence between Rural and Urban Primary School Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Alego-Usonga Sub County, Kenya

Abstract

This study sought to establish differences in emotional intelligence between rural and urban primary school orphans and vulnerable children in Alego-Usonga Sub County, Kenya. The study used Ex-post facto research design, using schools that had good performance academically through school progress records. The study sample comprised of 319 pupils (157 males and 162 females) of between 12 to 17 years, representing 32.48% of the study population. The study used a questionnaire as source of data. The analysis of data involved descriptive statistics and independent sample t-test as reflected in tables and figures that appear in the results section. The study found that OVC’s emotional intelligence is influenced by their environment. Compared to rural areas, urban settings tends to provide a better environment for the nurturing of emotional intelligence of primary school children. In addition, flexible, interesting and accommodative school and home environments guarantee a fertile ground for improving the adolescents’ emotional Intelligence. Subsequently, appropriate recommendations were provided.