The Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence and Psychological Well-Being in Older Adults: The Mediating Role of Prosocial Behaviors

Based on research evidence, various factors influence the psychological well-being (PWB) of older adults. Accordingly, this study aimed to examine the relationship between emotional intelligence and PWB in older individuals, with the mediating role of prosocial behaviors. This was a correlational study, using the path analysis method. The study population included individuals over 60 years residing in Rezvanshahr County, Iran in 2024. The sample consisted of 320 participants (160 men and 160 women), selected through convenience sampling and based on predefined eligibility criteria. Data were collected using Bradberry and Greaves’s emotional intelligence, Ryff’s PWB (short form), and Carlo and Randall’s prosocial tendencies (revised version) questionnaires. The collected data were analyzed using path analysis and bootstrap testing in SPSS version 24 and AMOS version 24. Findings indicated a significant direct relationship between emotional intelligence and PWB. Additionally, prosocial behaviors served as a mediator in the relationship between emotional intelligence and PWB. These findings highlight the importance of prosocial behaviors as a significant factor in the relationship between emotional intelligence and PWB in older adults. It is recommended that training programs be provided on emotional intelligence and prosocial behaviors to foster the flourishing and well-being of this population.
EXTENDED ABSTRACT
 Introduction
Research has shown that psychological well-being (PWB) refers to having a positive perception of oneself and life. Furthermore, studies indicate a relationship between emotional intelligence and PWB in older adults. This is because a primary goal for individuals, particularly during later life stages, is to experience happiness, vitality, and meaningful, reciprocal engagement with the surrounding world. Emotional intelligence encompasses all the above-mentioned aspects, as it involves managing one’s behavior, coping with social challenges, and achieving positive outcomes through critical decision-making. Existing research has established that emotional intelligence and PWB are interconnected in older adults. However, limited studies have explored the mediating variables that shape this relationship. Across all age groups, individuals tend to exhibit prosocial behaviors, which foster respectful and mutual relationships. As such, prosocial behaviors are considered a significant contributor to PWB in older individuals. Although the relationship between emotional intelligence and PWB has been previously documented, the mediating role of prosocial behaviors in this dynamic within the context of later life remains understudied. Therefore, given this gap in the literature, the present study aimed to examine the relationship between emotional intelligence and PWB, with a focus on the mediating role of prosocial behaviors.
Method
This was a correlational study using the path analysis method. The statistical population consisted of all individuals over 60 years residing in Rezvanshahr County, Iran during 2023–2024. The participants included 320 individuals (160 men and 160 women) selected through convenience sampling and based on predefined eligibility criteria in public places. Inclusion criteria were: (1) being 60 years or above, (2) possessing adequate hearing and speech abilities for interaction, and (3) the ability to comprehend and respond to questions. Exclusion criteria included: (1) having chronic physical or mental illnesses, neuropsychological problems, or neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, brain injury, Huntington’s disease, and stroke, as determined during the initial interview. Participants completed Bradberry and Greaves’s emotional intelligence, Ryff’s PWB, and Carlo and Randall’s prosocial tendencies questionnaires. The researcher conducted on-site data collection by visiting various public locations such as parks, mosques, and public pathways across Rezvanshahr during different times of the day where older adults were likely to be present. After the initial interview, questionnaires were given to participants who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The collected data were analyzed using path analysis and bootstrap testing in SPSS version 24 and AMOS version 24 software.
Results
Before evaluating the proposed research model, the assumptions of normal distribution and sample size adequacy were examined. To assess the normality of the research variables Skewness and kurtosis were used. The results indicated that the score distributions for all variables fell within the ±2 range, suggesting an approximate normal distribution. The results from this phase confirmed that the assumptions were met and that the data were ready for model testing. The findings demonstrated a significant positive direct relationship between emotional intelligence and prosocial behaviors (p<.01). Additionally, there was a significant positive direct relationship between emotional intelligence and PWB (p<.01). Furthermore, the relationship between emotional intelligence and PWB through the mediating role of prosocial behaviors was also found to be significant (p<.01).  Overall, based on the goodness-of-fit indices for the proposed model, it can be concluded that the model presented in this study is acceptable. Figure 1 illustrates the final research model, where the model’s pathways were found to be significant.
According to the final model outcomes, the direct pathways were significant (p<.01). To estimate and determine the significance of the pathways, the bootstrap test in AMOS software was employed. The bootstrap test demonstrated the indirect effects. The indirect effect coefficient between emotional intelligence and PWB (β=.39, p=.01) was positive and significant (p<.01). Based on these findings, it can be concluded that prosocial behaviors significantly mediate the positive relationship between emotional intelligence and PWB.
Conclusion
PWB in older adulthood is a critical factor that is essential for maintaining mental health. As individuals enter this stage of life, their social circle and interpersonal relationships tend to narrow, reducing their interactions with others, which in turn diminishes PWB and contributes to lower life satisfaction. Enhancing emotional intelligence in older adults can significantly improve their self-awareness, understanding of others, and ability to effectively communicate and adapt to their environment and society. Given that social relationships and being socially accepted are of great importance to older adults, focusing on their emotional intelligence as a means of enhancing PWB can play a vital role. Despite the challenges associated with aging, such as loneliness, loss of a spouse, and increasing physical illnesses, emotional intelligence can help mitigate the resulting social isolation and psychological effects. Emotional intelligence, as a personal trait, serves as a key determinant of mental health in older adults. It directly influences various aspects of PWB, contributing to greater satisfaction in their lives.
Ethical Consideration
Ethical Code
This article is derived from a Master's thesis in General Psychology at the Islamic Azad University, Rasht Branch, with the ethics code IR.IAU.RASHT.REC.1403.002.
Financial Support
This study received no financial support.
Authors’ Contributions
H.R: Conceptualization, Software, Formal analysis, Data curation, Writing-Original draft; A.K: Methodology, Software, Validation, Project administration, Writing-Review & editing
Conflict of Interest
The authors had no conflicts of interest.
Acknowledgments
Acknowledgments are extended to all participants and everyone who contributed to the implementation of this study.
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