Backgruond and Prepose: The aim of this study was to compare emotional intelligence and test anxiety between male and female students.
Method: This was a causal-comparative study. The statistical population consisted of all upper primary school students (grades 4, 5, and 6) in the city of Gorgan during the 2025–2026 academic year, totaling 18,387 students (9,292 boys and 9,095 girls). Based on the population size and using the Krejcie and Morgan table, a sample size of 380 students was estimated and selected via cluster sampling. Data collection instruments included the Schutte Emotional Intelligence Scale (1998) and the Sarason Test Anxiety Scale (1957). Data analysis involved descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation), while inferential statistics—specifically the t-test—were used to compare variables between the two independent groups.
Results: The results indicated no significant difference in emotional intelligence between male and female students; however, a significant difference was found regarding test anxiety (p < 0.01).
Conclusion: Given the observed difference—specifically the higher levels of test anxiety among girls—it is recommended that the Department of Education implement strategies to reduce test anxiety among female students in schools