Abstract
The present research focused on the relationship between emotional intelligence and moral judgment in adolescents; it was hypothesized that there would be a positive relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and moral judgment; EI would predict moral judgment and there are likely gender differences in moral judgment of adolescents. The sample of 351 adolescents (n=172 male; n=179 female) was recruited for the research. The Scale of Emotional Intelligence (Batool & Khalid, 2009) and Padua Moral Judgment Scale (Comunian, 2011) were used for assessment. Independent sample t-test, Pearson correlation and hierarchical regression analysis were carried out to analyse data. Results revealed a positive correlation between emotional intelligence and moral judgement (.15, p < .01), stage 4 of moral judgment development (.2, p < .01), socio-moral values (Contract .15, p< .01, truth .17, p< .05, law .11, p< .05 and legal justice .15, p< .01). Regression analysis revealed that EI significantly predicted stage 4 of moral development, socio-moral values (contract, truth, property, law and legal justice). Moral judgment predicted all types of socio-moral values and stages of moral development. Moreover, the combined interactive effect of EI and moral judgment significantly predicted stage 2 of moral development. However, no gender differences were found in emotional intelligence and moral judgment. Findings have important implications for parents, teachers and policymakers.