A Study of Social Adjustment and Social Intelligence among Adolescents of Secondary Stage Schools

Adolescence represents a pivotal developmental phase characterized by profound physiological, psychological, and emotional changes as individuals transition from childhood to adulthood. This study investigates the dimensions of Social Intelligence and Social Adjustment among secondary school students, aiming to identify differences based on gender and type of educational institution. Social intelligence is defined as the ability to interact effectively with the environment and address social challenges, while social adjustment refers to the balance between individual needs and societal expectations. Using a descriptive survey research design, the researcher executed a purposive sampling technique to select a cohort of 80 secondary stage students (comprising an equal distribution of 40 boys and 40 girls) from both public and private schools in Ajmer. Data were collected using standardized tools developed by N.K. Chadha and Usha Ganesan for social intelligence, and Dr. Ashutosh Kumar for social adjustment. The quantitative analysis focused on testing four distinct hypotheses regarding gender, school type, and family type. The empirical findings reveal a noteworthy homogeneity across the sample. Statistical analysis indicated no significant differences in the mean scores of Social Intelligence or Social Adjustment between male and female students. Furthermore, variables such as the type of school (public vs. private), social category, and family structure did not yield statistically significant disparities in the students' psychosocial adaptability. These findings indicate that, within this demographic, neither gender nor institutional context significantly affects social competence or adjustment. This study concludes that secondary stage students, regardless of gender, exhibit comparable capacities for social intelligence and social adjustment, highlighting the need for educational interventions that support these traits universally.