Emotional intelligence and subjective well-being: Altruistic behavior as a mediator

Although an increasing number of studies shed light on the relationship between emotional intelligence and subjective well-being, little is yet known of the mediating effect of altruistic behavior in this relationship. We examined the relationships among emotional intelligence, altruistic behavior, and subjective well-being. Using structural equation modeling, we conducted an empirical test based on survey data obtained from 412 undergraduates in 2 South China universities. The results showed that emotional intelligence and altruistic behavior led to subjective well-being. In addition, altruistic behavior partially mediated the relationship between emotional intelligence and subjective well-being. Our findings support the application of an altruistic behavior perspective to gaining a better understanding of the mechanism by which emotional intelligence influences subjective well-being.