Psychological distress, emotional intelligence, and academic achievement among students‟secondary school in the case of Serbo secondary school

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to examine the contribution of psychological distress, emotional intelligence on academic achievement among Serbo Secondary high school students in the case of Jimma Zone. Quantitative and qualitative research methods with correlational design were employed to achieve the research objectives. About 300 total participants from Serbo secondary students were selected using simple random sampling technique via lottery method. Questionnaire and semi-structured interview tools of data collection were used. Quantitative data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation, Pearson correlation coefficient, and multiple linear regressions. Qualitative data was analyzed via thematic analysis.The study used quantitative and qualitative approach with correlational research design. The result showed that psychological distress and emotional intelligence is not significant predictors of students’ academic achievement. Moreover, the study revealed that there is a weak negative relationship between psychological distress, emotional intelligence and academic achievement. Furthermore, the current study found there is a significant gender differences in psychological distress, emotional intelligence and academic achievement. Conclusively, life skill training as well professional advice is essential to enhance and polish students’ academic achievement for better future improvement.