Maternal Bonding and Emotional Intelligence as Correlates of Prosocial Behavior: A Psychological Perspective

Abstract

The present study examined the relationship between maternal bonding, emotional intelligence, and prosocial behavior in adulthood. The study aimed to investigate whether maternal bonding and emotional intelligence significantly predict prosocial behavior among adults. A quantitative, non-experimental correlational research design was employed. Data were collected from 151 participants (91 females and 60 males) between the ages of 20 and 40 years using the Parental Bonding Instrument (Mother Form), Brief Emotional Intelligence Scale (BEIS-10), and Adult Prosocialness Behavior Scale (APBS). Pearson correlation analysis revealed a moderate positive correlation between maternal bonding and prosocial behavior (r = .468, p < .001), a strong positive correlation between emotional intelligence and prosocial behavior (r = .611, p < .001), and a moderate positive correlation between emotional intelligence and maternal bonding (r = .407, p < .001). Stepwise multiple regression analysis indicated that maternal bonding significantly predicted prosocial behavior, accounting for 37% of the variance (R² = .373, p < .001). Emotional intelligence contributed an additional 6% of the variance, resulting in a total explained variance of 43% (R² = .431, p < .001). The findings highlight the enduring influence of early maternal bonding and emotional competencies on the development of prosocial behavior in adulthood. The study contributes to understanding psychosocial development within the Indian context and emphasizes the importance of early caregiving experiences and emotional skill development.