Relationship between Personality Traits and Prosocial Behavior: The Moderating Role of Emotional Intelligence

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the moderating role of emotional intelligence in the relationship between personality traits and prosocial behavior. Method: This study was a descriptive correlational study. The statistical population included all students of the University of Bojnord in 2018. For this purpose, 340 students were selected by cluster random sampling. Participants completed the Prosocial Tendencies Measure, NEO-Five Factor Inventory, and The Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence (SSREI) scale. Data were analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient and hierarchical regression. Results: The results showed that 11% and 0.09% of the variance of prosocial tendencies was explained by emotional intelligence and personality traits, respectively. The results also showed that emotional intelligence significantly moderates the relationships between personality traits of neuroticism and agreeableness with prosocial behavior. Conclusion: Emotional intelligence can reinforce the relationships of personality traits of neuroticism and agreeableness with prosocial behavior.