Evaluation to the Degree in which Emotional Intelligence Predicts Bystander Behaviors, The

Sexual violence is alarmingly high on college campuses (Black et al., 2012). The purpose of the current study is to examine the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and bystander behaviors, efficacy, and intentions. The current study was designed to better understand the factors (e.g. empathy, EI) among those who intervene (i.e. bystanders) in potential sexual assault situations. The relationship was compared to already established factors such as empathy, bystander sex, acceptance of rape myths, and knowledge of sexual violence. Participants (n=200) were recruited from the crowdsourcing platform, M-Turk. Males and females who were at least 18 years of age were invited to participate in the current study. Previous research has highlighted the importance of the presence of bystanders who, by their presence and actions, may be able to help deter sexual violence. Analyses support that emotional intelligence does have a statistically significant contribution to the prediction of bystander efficacy and intent. However, empathic responding does not statistically mediate the relationship between emotional intelligence and past bystander behaviors, efficacy, or intent. Recommendations for future research were discussed.