Title: Emotional Intelligence as a Predictor of Occupational Stress among Civil Servants in Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Nwala Gift Ojiugo
Awonemika Caroline Arimie
Volume: 9
Issue: 11
Pages: 107-112
Publication Date: 2025/11/28
Abstract:
The study investigated emotional intelligence as a predictor of occupational stress among civil servants in Rivers State, Nigeria. The study adopted the correlational research design. Three objectives and three corresponding hypotheses guided the study. The population of the study was 8,946 civil servants in Rivers State. Purposive sampling technique was used to draw sample for the study. A sample of 500 civil servants was used for this study. The researcher's self-designed questionnaire was utilized in collecting data for the study. Simple regression analysis was used in testing the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The results of the study showed that emotional intelligence variables (motivation, empathy and social skills) taken one at a time significantly predicted the stress level of Civil Servants in Rivers State. The study concluded that in order to reduce mental health problems both at home and at the workplace, individuals need to manage their emotion. Based on the results, the study recommends that regular training such as talk show, workshop and seminars should be organized for civil servants to enable them understand their emotional as this significantly predicted their stress levels. Additionally, Civil servants who have low emotional intelligence or have problems controlling their emotion should be recommended to go for counseling by their supervising officers.