Reciprocal associations between trait emotional intelligence and prosocial tendencies: A multi-wave longitudinal study

Abstract

Although there is a robust association between trait emotional intelligence (EI) and prosocial behaviours in school-aged youth, the temporal dynamics of this relationship remain unknown. Does confidence in one’s EI abilities facilitate more prosocial behaviours, or do appraisals of past prosocial behaviours contribute to stronger sense of EI competence, or both? The present study tested these hypotheses in a longitudinal cross-lagged panel design spanning a 6-year period from late childhood (age 10–11) to adolescence (age 16–17). Data for the study comprised self-reports of trait EI (four waves) and prosocial tendencies (three waves) for 634 participants in the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth – a biannual population survey of Canadian children. Gender differences and parent-reported prosocial behaviours at the initial wave were also taken into account. Results revealed significant bidirectional relationships between trait EI and prosocial tendencies, carrying important implications for the nature of trait EI and its applications.