Applied AI and Machine Learning Journal
Vol 1 No 2 (2026): June

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

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



Article Info

Publish Date
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.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

aiml

Publisher

Subject

Description

Applied AI and Machine Learning Journal (AIML) is a peer-reviewed, open-access scholarly journal dedicated to publishing high-quality original research papers, review articles, and case studies in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). The journal aims to advance ...