Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between emotional intelligence self-esteem anxiety and academic stress of gifted children in Oyo State Nigeria Descriptive research design of ex-post-facto was used in the study One hundred and twenty 120 gifted children were selected from public secondary schools in Oyo State Nigeria The respondents were measured with five standardized scales including i Self esteem Scale ii Student Academic Stress Scale iii Emotional intelligence Scale iv Giftedness Scale and v State and Trait Anxiety Inventory Three research Questions were raised and answered in the study The data obtained were analyzed using Pearson s Product Moment Correlation PPMC and Multiple Regression analysis The result showed that there was significant relationship among all the independent variables emotional intelligence selfesteem and anxiety and academic stress There was joint contribution of emotional intelligence selfesteem and anxiety on academic stress among gifted students in Oyo state Also there was relative contribution of emotional intelligence selfesteem and anxiety on academic stress among gifted students in Oyo state In view of these findings the study advocated that the students need to be trained on how to improve their selfesteem and emotional intelligence ameliorate anxiety because these have significant influence on their academic stress in the school system Recommendations were made on how the gifted learners could be assisted to reduce stress in their environment and academic work