I couldn't control myself": Impacts of an emotional intelligence program on adolescent impulsivity and its associated factors in Juvenile Homes in Lagos, Nigeria.

Adolescent impulsivity is linked with a variety of risky behaviors such as delinquency, aggression, self-harm, and substance use among others. This study examined the effectiveness of emotional intelligence (EI) training on the impulsivity of selected adolescents from the two juvenile delinquent homes in Lagos, Nigeria. The participants were between the ages of 13 and 17 years, with a mean age of 15.5. They were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups in each of the two homes. The emotional intelligence training program was carried out on the experimental groups while the control groups received the usual class lessons of the homes. The scales for data collection were: (i) the impulsivity scale (ii) the cognitive strategies for resolution of social situations questionnaire (iii) the self-report emotional intelligence scale, and two other measures. Descriptive analysis was conducted to determine the mean and standard deviation scores in all the groups. Further, Inferential statistics were conducted to evaluate the changes in the pre and post-tests of both the experimental and control groups. Findings confirmed a relationship between adolescents impulsivity and antisocial behaviors. It was also revealed that EI training has a significant influence on the impulse control ability of adolescents. Findings also showed a significant difference in the cognitive strategies for resolution of social situations of the experimental and the control group. These findings have implications for intervention on adolescent problem behavior and the support required towards a seamless transition into a peaceful adulthood