The role of emotional intelligence and personality in moral reasoning

Morals and Emotional Intelligence 2 In this study we investigated the potential role of Emotional Intelligence (EI) in Moral Reasoning (MR). A sample of 131undergraduate students completed a battery of psychological tests, which included measures of Emotional Intelligence, Moral Reasoning and the Big Five dimensions of personality. Results demonstrated support for a proposed model of the relationship between Emotional Intelligence, personality and Moral Reasoning. Specifically, Emotional Intelligence was found to be a significant predictor of four of the Big Five personality dimensions (Extraversion, Openness, Neuroticism, Agreeableness), which in turn were significant predictors of Moral Reasoning. These results have important implications in regards to our current understanding of the relationships between Emotional Intelligence, Moral Reasoning and personality. We emphasize the need to incorporate the constructs of Emotional Intelligence and Moral Reasoning into a broader, explanatory personality framework. Morals and Emotional Intelligence 3 The Role of Emotional Intelligence and personality in Moral Judgment The aim of this paper is to investigate the relationships between Emotional Intelligence, personality and Moral Reasoning. In the following literature review, we outline relevant existing research focusing on these constructs, and also highlight conceptual links between them. Emotional Intelligence can be defined as “the ability to perceive emotions, to access and generate emotions so as to assist thought, to understand emotions and emotion knowledge, and to reflectively regulate emotions so as to promote emotional and intellectual growth” (Salovey & Mayer, 1995, p.5). Thus, in this research we conceptualize Emotional Intelligence as an ability as opposed to a dispositional trait. Substantial research has been conducted on the various relationships between personality traits and Emotional Intelligence. All of the Big Five personality traits (Agreeableness, Openness, Extraversion, Neuroticism, and Conscientiousness) have been found to correlate at least moderately with Emotional Intelligence (McCrae, 2000). In particular, Emotional Intelligence measures have generally been found to have at least moderate significant correlations with Extraversion (positive direction) and Neuroticism (negative direction), and smaller significant positive correlations with openness, agreeableness and conscientiousness (Matthews et al., 2006). Conceptually, such relationships make sense as both personality and Emotional Intelligence are comprised of both cognitive and emotional components (see, Mayer and Salovey, 1995; also see Shulman & Hemenover 2006). Indeed, it can be argued that Emotional Intelligence, which is conceptualized as ability, influences the development of personality. Regardless Morals and Emotional Intelligence 4 of the direction however, it is clear that a relationship exists between Emotional Intelligence and personality. There have been different views expressed about the moral dimension of Emotional Intelligence in the work of influential EI researchers. Specifically, Goleman (1995) suggests that there is a moral dimension to Emotional Intelligence, whereas Mayer and Cobb (2000) argue that there is not. Consistent with Goleman, (1995), we argue that there is considerable conceptual overlap between the two constructs. As mentioned previously, Emotional Intelligence involves the ability to perceive and regulate emotions. Similarly, Moral Reasoning is defined as the ability to “frame socio-moral problems using one’s standards and values in order to judge the proper course of action” (Rest, 1979; p.198). Thus, while Emotional Intelligence involves using one’s understanding of emotions (both of self and other) to guide decision making, Moral Reasoning involves using one’s standards and values to guide decision making. Theoretically, it follows that one’s ‘standards and values’ will depend largely on one’s ability to accurately perceive both their own and others emotion, and regulate their own emotions effectively. Overall however, there has been little empirical research investigating how Emotional Intelligence affects Moral Reasoning. One difference between Emotional Intelligence and Moral Reasoning is their levels of specificity. Emotional Intelligence tends to refer to a generalized ability to regulate one’s emotions, which theoretically influences most of our behaviours at some level. Emotional Intelligence is best thought of as a generalized distal ability. Moral Reasoning on the other hand is only relevant to specific situations (e.g. moral dilemma’s) Morals and Emotional Intelligence 5 and is best regarded as a specific proximal ability. We argue therefore argue that Emotional Intelligence has a distal influence on Moral Reasoning. Some research has also focused on the relationship between personality and Moral Reasoning (e.g. Mudrack 2006). For example, Curtis, Billingslea and Wilson (1998) found significant associations between Moral Maturity and the two traits empathy (similar to agreeableness) and socialization (extraversion). Conceptually, this relationship also makes sense; the Big Five personality dimensions which represent the primary behavioral and cognitive dimensions upon which people differ, should predict specific behavioural and cognitive strategies people engage in when faced with moral dilemmas. There is however, a lack of informative research in this area. As noted above, the relationship between Emotional Intelligence and personality is well established, and there has also been some research on the relationship between personality and Moral Reasoning. There has been little research on the various relationships between Emotional Intelligence, personality and Moral Reasoning. The purpose of this paper is to test a model of the relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Moral Reasoning, where personality traits are modeled as mediators. Thus it is hypothesized that Emotional Intelligence is an indirect predictor of Moral Reasoning via personality. The specific model test in this paper is illustrated in figure 1. Within this model, a number of specific hypotheses are examined. First, consistent with previous research on personality and Emotional Intelligence, it is hypothesized that self-reported EI and Big-Five personality factors positively correlate with each other. Specifically, Emotional Intelligence is modeled as a precursor to personality factors, as it represents an ability (Salovey & Mayer, 1995) which is different Morals and Emotional Intelligence 6 to personality, but likely influences personality development. Second, it is hypothesized the Big Five personality dimensions will significantly predict Moral Reasoning. Third, it is hypothesized that EI will significantly predict Moral Reasoning, via its effect on personality. Figure 1. A model of the relationships between Emotional Intelligence, Personality and Moral Reasoning.