Exploring the Link Between Emotional Intelligence and Mathematical Problem-Solving Skills Among Grade V Elementary Students in Kepanjen Sub-district

Emotional intelligence (EI) plays a crucial role in students' academic performance, particularly in mathematical problem-solving ability (MPSA). This study investigates the level of EI, the level of MPSA, and their relationship in fifth-grade students of Gugus V, Kepanjen District, during the 2021/2022 academic year. This quantitative,
correlational study involved 183 fifth-grade students, with a purposive sample of 80 participants. Data collection employed tests to measure MPSA and questionnaires to assess EI. Statistical analysis was conducted using Pearson’s product-moment correlation with SPSS 16.0. The results showed that first, the level of emotional intelligence
of grade V elementary school students was mostly in the moderate category, with a percentage of 62.5%. Second, the level of mathematics problem-solving ability of fifth-grade students is mostly in the high category with a percentage of 52.5%. Third, the results of statistical data processing analysis obtained rxy value > r table value (0.386 > 0.286).
While the significance value of the analysis results of SPSS 16.0 significance level value of 0.01 (0.000≤0.01). These results suggest that higher EI is associated with improved MPSA among fifth-grade students. This underscores the importance of fostering both cognitive and emotional competencies in educational settings. There is a
significant positive relationship between EI and MPSA in fifth-grade students. Enhancing EI alongside academic skills may support student success not only in mathematics but across other disciplines and reallife challenges.