Gender Differences in Socio-Emotional Skills and their Relationship with Academic Performance among University Students

Abstract

The socio-emotional skills of learners have a significant impact on their academic achievements and overall growth. This research study has explored the link between socio-emotional skills and academic achievements among undergraduate university students in Pakistan along with the influence of socio-economic factors on this association. Quantitative research design was adopted for this research study. The sample comprised of 1200 undergraduate university students from selected public and private universities of Lahore. Structured questionnaires were utilized for the collection of data pertaining to socio-emotional skills, academic achievement of respondents, and socio-economic background of respondents. Socio-emotional skills of learners were assessed in terms of their self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship management, and responsible decision-making. Stratified random sampling technique was used for the selection of respondents from different institutions and genders. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were applied for the analysis of data in the light of the research variables. The results of the study indicate that gender differences are dimension-dependent and not universal. Female university students had higher levels of relationship management, social awareness, responsible decision-making and SECs in general compared to male students.

Keywords: socio-emotional skills, academic performance, university students, socio-economic background, higher education, Pakistan

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22283603