Mediating Role of Interpersonal Relationships in the Effect of Emotional Competence on Prosocial Behavior among Adolescents in Malaysia

Prosocial behavior has been regarded as a necessity for a society to function well. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between emotional competence, interpersonal relationship, and prosocial behavior among 496 school-going adolescents in Malaysia. The subjects were selected using Multistage Cluster Sampling method. Profile of Emotional Competence, Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment Scale, and Strength and Difficulties Questionnaires were used to measure emotional competence, interpersonal relationship with peers, and adolescents’ prosocial behavior respectively. The results showed significant positive relationships among emotional competence, interpersonal relationship with peers, and prosocial behavior. Further analysis revealed that adolescents who reported having higher emotional competence tend to have better interpersonal relationships with peers which in turn led to higher involvement in prosocial behavior. Emotional competence and interpersonal relationship with peers are thus established as two important factors to promote prosocial behavior among adolescents.