Emotional and motivational intelligence in Ethiopian high school learners' writing performance in relation to gender differences

Abstract

Abstract In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the role of emotional and motivational intelligence in educational settings. Studies have shown that these factors can significantly impact students' academic performance. However, little attention has been given to the influence of emotional and motivational intelligence on writing performance, especially in relation to gender differences. This study aims to examine the relationship between emotional and motivational intelligence and writing performance among Ethiopian high school learners, while considering potential variations based on gender. To achieve this, a sample of 176 Ethiopian high school learners (69 male and 107 female, aged between 17 and 24) was selected using a stratified random sampling technique. The participants completed self-reported questionnaires to assess their emotional and motivational intelligence, and their writing performance was evaluated based on a set of predetermined writing rubrics. The collected data was analyzed using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), Pearson's correlation coefficient, and path coefficients to determine any significant relationships or gender differences. The results showed a statistically significant relationship between emotional intelligence dimensions and writing performance. However, there was no statistically significant difference in writing performance and writing motivation based on gender. These findings provide valuable insights into the influence of emotional and motivational intelligence on writing performance among Ethiopian high school learners. Emotional intelligence, including the ability to understand and manage one's own and others' emotions, positively affected writing performance. This study contributes to the existing literature on the role of emotional and motivational intelligence in educational settings, specifically focusing on writing performance among Ethiopian high school learners. Overall, this research sheds light on the importance of considering emotional and motivational factors in educational practices to foster improved academic outcomes.