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Vol. 1 No. 2 (2026): June

Problem-Solving Skills in Trigonometry as Influenced by Emotional Intelligence and Mathematics Self-Efficacy

https://doi.org/10.35912/aiml.v1i2.3963
17 Jun 2026

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to determine whether emotional intelligence and mathematics self-efficacy significantly influence the trigonometry problem-solving skills of first- and second-year Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Mathematics students at Davao del Norte State College.

Methodology: A descriptive correlational research design was used. A total of 120 students were randomly selected as the respondents. Data were gathered using adapted questionnaires for emotional intelligence and mathematics self-efficacy, along with a researcher-developed test for trigonometry problem-solving skills. Mean, standard deviation, and Spearman’s rho correlation were used for data analysis.

Results: The findings revealed that the students demonstrated high levels of emotional intelligence (M = 4.03, SD = 0.46) and mathematics self-efficacy (M = 3.58, SD = 0.52). Their problem-solving performance was also relatively high (M = 35.4, SD = 4.78). However, no significant relationship was found between emotional intelligence and problem-solving skills (r = –0.002, p = 0.979) or between mathematics self-efficacy and problem-solving skills (r = 0.047, p = 0.609).

Conclusions: Emotional intelligence and mathematics self-efficacy were not significant predictors of trigonometry problem-solving performance. The findings suggest that cognitive and instructional factors may play a more critical role in students’ mathematical performance.

Limitations: The study was limited to first- and second-year mathematics education students from a single institution, used self-reported questionnaires, and a researcher-developed trigonometry test with few items, focusing only on affective variables.

Contributions: The study provides evidence that emotional intelligence and mathematics self-efficacy minimally predict trigonometry problem-solving, highlighting the importance of cognitive and instructional factors, and offering guidance for future research and teaching interventions.

Keywords

Emotional Intelligence Mathematics Education Mathematics Self-Efficacy Problem-Solving Skills Trigonometry

How to Cite

Valer, J. J. C., Alpas, M. L., Gaborne, R. B. B., Macangga, J. C., & Jamara, A. J. (2026). Problem-Solving Skills in Trigonometry as Influenced by Emotional Intelligence and Mathematics Self-Efficacy. Applied AI and Machine Learning Journal, 1(2), 121–135. https://doi.org/10.35912/aiml.v1i2.3963

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Authors

1 Jasmin Joyce C. Valer
Davao del Norte State College, Institute of Teacher Education, Philippines
2 Mariel L. Alpas
Davao del Norte State College, Institute of Teacher Education, Philippines
3 Ronique Byrlle B. Gaborne
Davao del Norte State College, Institute of Teacher Education, Philippines
4 Jobelyn C. Macangga
Davao del Norte State College, Institute of Teacher Education, Philippines
5 Abdul J. Jamara
Davao del Norte State College, Institute of Teacher Education, Philippines

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Vol. 1 No. 2 (2026): June
Section: Articles
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