Emotional awareness, self-esteem and senior secondary school students' academic achievement in English language in Osun state, Nigeria

The study examined the significant relationship between emotional awareness and academic achievement of senior secondary school students in English Language in Osun State. It also determined the significant relationship between self-esteem and academic achievement of senior secondary school students in English Language in Osun State. It finally established the significant combined relationship of emotional awareness, self-esteem and academic achievement of senior secondary school students in English Language in Osun State. The study employed a correlational survey research design. The target population consisted of senior secondary school students in Osun state, Nigeria. The sample size used comprised 400 SS II English students selected using multi-stage sampling procedure. Three instruments were used for data collection namely: 'Achievement Test in English Language' (ATEL), r = 0.85 'Emotional Awareness Questionnaire' (EAQ), r = 0.79 and 'Self-esteem Scale' (SeS) r = 0.76. The results showed that there was significant relationship between emotional awareness and academic achievement of senior secondary school students in English Language in Osun State (r = 0.728; p < 0.05). Also, there existed significant relationship between self-esteem and academic achievement of senior secondary school students in English Language in Osun State (r = 0.705; p < 0.05). Finally, the results revealed that there existed significant combined relationship of emotional awareness, self-esteem and academic achievement of senior secondary school students in English Language in Osun State (F = 1.193; p < 0.05). The study concluded that both emotional awareness and self-esteem are highly influential in predicting academic achievement of senior secondary school students in English Language in the study area. It provided empirical evidence that will inform educators, curriculum planners, and policymakers on the importance of integrating emotional and psychological development into teaching and learning processes to enhance students’ academic performance. Hence, it was recommended among others that emotional awareness and self-esteem of students should be a major concern to stakeholders in education in enhancing academic achievement of students in English language.