Unraveling the Connection Between Emotional Intelligence and Moral Development in Undergraduate Students of Dhaka City

Abstract Research has indicated a positive association between emotional intelligence (EI) and moral development (MD) among university students; however, the academic culture of universities in Bangladesh sometimes fosters unethical practices among students. In addition, the association between EI and MD among Bangladeshi undergraduates has yet to gain much attention. This study examined the relationship between the EI and MD of Bangladeshi university students. A total of 486 undergraduate students (248 male, 238 female; age range 18–26 years) were selected conveniently from five universities of the Dhaka metropolitan area. Results revealed that EI was significantly and positively related to MD ( r = .38, p < .001). They also showed no significant differences in EI and MD by their gender profile with a small effect size of Cohen's d = .13 and Cohen's d = .03, respectively. Results additionally demonstrated that students from nuclear families were more emotionally intelligent (Cohen's d = .39) and morally developed (Cohen's d = .26) than students from joint families. Furthermore, science students have a higher MD level than students in other faculties with a small effect size (η 2 = .03), whereas arts students have a lower level of MD. The limitations and implications of the study are also discussed.