A Study of Gender Differences on Stress and Emotional Intelligence

Shadiya Mohamed Saleh  Baqutayan; Mah  Gul; Siti Wahidah  Abd Ghafar

Authors

Shadiya Mohamed Saleh Baqutayan Perdana School of Science, Technology and Innovation Policy, University Technology Malaysia (UTM), Kuala Lumpur, 54100, Malaysia
Mah Gul Perdana School of Science, Technology and Innovation Policy, University Technology Malaysia (UTM), Kuala Lumpur, 54100, Malaysia
Siti Wahidah Abd Ghafar Perdana School of Science, Technology and Innovation Policy, University Technology Malaysia (UTM), Kuala Lumpur, 54100, Malaysia

Keywords:

Stress, emotional intelligence, gender difference, postgraduate students

Abstract

There are some stereotypes attached on both male and female genders regarding their emotional states and taking stress i.e. females are considered to be emotionally more expressive whereas, males to be emotionally cool and stable. The present study aims to explore if this difference exists in the academic field of postgraduate level. Thus, this research determines; (1) the differences between male and female postgraduate students’ level of stress and emotional intelligence (EI) as the coping strategies; then (2) the significance of gender difference in EI and stress, particularly, among UTM Perdana School students. According to the findings, the female students are found to perceive slightly higher stress compared to male respondents, but male students are found to have greater EI in managing their stress compared to female respondents. However, the difference was insignificant as the reasons could be situational or biological reason rather than gender differences.