RELIGIOSITY, EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE, AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

This research explored the relationship between religiosity, emotional intelligence, and academic achievement among Malaysian university students. A total of 300 participants were selected via the convenience sampling method. Data was collected through an online survey platform wherein the questionnaires were transcribed into Google Form and distributed virtually. Participants answered two questionnaires namely the Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test (SSEIT) and Centrality of Religiosity Scale to measure their level of emotional intelligence (EQ) and religiosity respectively. The data were then analysed using Pearson’s Correlation and Multiple Regression. Emotional intelligence is vital as it acts as a catalyst in self-motivation towards attaining a better grade. The findings indicate that religiosity has a positive correlation with EQ and academic achievement. Overall, religiosity encourages one to strive for the better and this relates with academic achievement whereby students are more likely to be persistent to accomplish their academic goals.