EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND SELF-ESTEEM AS DETERMINANTS OF DELINQUENT BEHAVIOUR AMONG IN-SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS WITH HEARING IMPAIRMENT

Abstract

Adolescents with hearing impairment are at higher risk of behavioural problems including delinquency due to factors such as academic deficit, delayed language development, and social isolation among others. The research aimed to examine emotional intelligence and self-esteem as a determinants factor of delinquent behaviour among in-school teenagers with hearing impairment in Southwestern Nigeria.  The research used a descriptive survey design.  The purposive sample approach was used to selected 224 in-school adolescents (IScAs) with hearing impairment, of whom 184 were deemed suitable for study among six integrated schools in Southwestern Nigeria, one school per state. Data was analysed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). The hypothesis's findings demonstrated that there is no significant relationship between delinquent behaviour and emotional intelligence among school-age adolescents with hearing impairments (r = -0.097; p>0.05). Emotional intelligence and delinquent behaviour are negatively correlated (r = 0.097) among school-age adolescents with hearing impairments. Furthermore, the research demonstrates a positive correlation (r = 0.091) between criminal conduct and self-esteem among teenagers with hearing impairments who are enrolled in school.  Based on the results, it was suggested that parents, teachers, and school administrators educate the public about how to help teenagers with hearing impairments develop their emotions via self-awareness, deliberate learning, and activities.