The relationship between emotional intelligence, character, and leadership traits in the members of the Texas 4-H Council

The purpose of this study was to determine whether higher levels of 4-H leadership positively correlate with higher levels of emotional intelligence. Also, this study sought to determine whether the Texas 4-H program enhances emotional intelligence through their character education program. A final purpose was to determine if these traits were reflected in the leadership of the 2005-2006 Texas 4-H Council.

When character development variables were measured against gender, only three were found to be significantly different. There was also little significance when the character development variables were measured against the type of school (public, private, home) the Council members attended. There was no relationship between character development and years in the 4-H program.

The Total EQ score obtained by the Texas 4-H Council members was about average (97). Usually a score in this range is obtained by a group that functions very well in some or most areas of emotional intelligence. A score of 100 represents effective emotional functioning. Overall, females on Council had higher scores for all five of the Emotional Quotient domains and, therefore, for the Total Emotional Quotient score. There was no relationship between emotional intelligence and years in the 4-H program and no difference in character education and emotional intelligence levels for Texas 4-H Council officers versus Texas 4-H Council members. However, the author did find that there was a positive relationship between character education and emotional intelligence.