Psychological Correlates of Social Adjustment among Students with Hearing Impairment in a Tertiary Institution in Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Issues with social adjustment among students in the College of Education with hearing impairment can significantly impact their interpersonal functioning. The study investigated emotional intelligence and self-esteem as key factors in the social adjustment of students with hearing impairment at the Special Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo. The research design employed was a descriptive correlational study, with a sample of 402 male and female students with hearing impairments in years 1, 2, and 3. Data were collected using the Social Adjustment Scale, the Schutte Emotional Intelligence Scale, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Pearson’s product-moment correlation analysis was used to test the hypotheses. The results revealed a significantly high positive relationship between emotional intelligence and social adjustment (r = 0.838) among students with hearing impairments at the Special Federal College of Education. It was also established that a positive relationship exists between emotional intelligence and social adjustment among students with hearing impairments (r = 0.789). The study highlights the urgent need for counselling psychologists to implement regular interventions to enhance the emotional intelligence and self-esteem of students with hearing impairments, thereby improving their social adjustment.