Effect of Emotional Intelligence Training on Interpersonal Relationship Skills of Undergraduates in Nasarawa State University

Interpersonal relationship difficulties among Nigerian undergraduates are associated with reduced academic engagement, social maladjustment, and poor transition to professional environments. This study examined the effect of an emotional intelligence training programme on the interpersonal relationship skills of undergraduates at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, North Central Nigeria. A pre-test and post-test quasi-experimental design was employed, with 60 undergraduates identified as having poor interpersonal skills randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group participated in eight sessions of structured emotional intelligence training incorporating self-awareness, empathy, and social skills components, while the control group received no intervention. The Emotional Intelligence Scale (EIS) and the Interpersonal Relationship Skills Inventory were administered at pre-test and post-test stages. Data were analysed using analysis of covariance. Results showed a statistically significant improvement in interpersonal relationship skills among undergraduates in the experimental group compared to controls. Improvements were noted across assertiveness, empathy, and conflict resolution skill dimensions. The study recommended that student affairs divisions in Nigerian universities institutionalise emotional intelligence training as part of orientation and student development programmes. Counselling units were advised to offer emotional intelligence coaching as a core service. Keywords: emotional intelligence, interpersonal relationships, undergraduates, Nasarawa State University, counselling.