Core Self-evaluations as Mediator and Moderator of the Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence and Life Satisfaction

The purpose of this study was to examine both the mediating and moderating effects of core self-evaluations on the relationship between emotional intelligence and life satisfaction among Chinese university students. Forth hundred and twenty-four (161 males and 263 females) from two different Chinese universities completed the measures of core self-evaluations, emotional intelligence and life satisfaction. Correlational analysis indicated that emotional intelligence was related to core self-evaluations and life satisfaction, and core self-evaluations were related to life satisfaction. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that core self-evaluations partially mediated the influence of emotional intelligence on life satisfaction. However, core self-evaluations did not act as a moderator of the relationship between emotional intelligence and life satisfaction. The significance and limitations of the results are discussed. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2014