Multi Group Analysis (MGA) Investigating the Relationship Between Decision-Making Styles and Personal Growth with the Mediating Role of Emotional Intelligence Among Young Boys and Girls

Authors

    Fateme Sadat Masjedi * Department of Clinical Psychology, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran. fa.masjedi@gmail.com
    Mahlagha Toloue Asghari Department of Counseling, Roudehen Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
    Narges Argha 3. Department of Psychology, Mohaghegh Ardebili university, Ardebil, Iran
    Fatemeh Ezatpanah Latifi 4. Department of Clinical Psychology, Andimeshk Branch, Islamic Azad University, Andimeshk, Iran. fatima69.lotfi@gmail.com
    Elahe Hosni Hanzaei Department of Clinical Psychology, Naein Branch, Islamic Azad University, Naein, Iran

Keywords:

Decision-making styles, Personal Growth, Emotional Intelligence, Adolescents

Abstract

Purpose: Adolescents must make crucial decisions that pertain to personal matters and life choices, marking a significant phase in their development. This study aims to explore how decision-making styles and personal growth are correlated, with emotional intelligence playing a mediating role, in both young males and females. Methods and Materials: The current study utilized a descriptive-correlational research design and cross-sectional research method, employing structural equation modeling (SEM) and multi-group analysis. The research was conducted on male and female students in Tehran from October to November 2023, with a statistical population consisting of all students in the city during that time frame. A group of 178 students was selected using a multi-stage cluster sampling method in a statistical study. The research utilized the General Decision Making Style Questionnaire (GDMS), Personal Growth Initiative Scale-II (PGIS-II), and Bar-On Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i) as research instruments. The data collected was analyzed using SPSS version 27 for descriptive statistics. We utilized path analysis and Multi-Group Analysis (MGA) with SmartPLS version 4 software. The study considered a p-value of 0.05. Findings: According to the research findings, making rational decisions had a beneficial impact on personal growth through the variable of self-regard (D = 0.280, P = 0.011). Similarly, spontaneous decision-making had a detrimental effect on taking action for Personal Growth through the variable of self-regard (D = -0.178, P = 0.020). "Simultaneously, spontaneous decision-making negatively impacted the willingness to take action for personal growth because of the Happiness factor (D = -0.213, P = 0.045)." Conclusion: The findings of this research indicate that the decision-making styles of participants affect their emotional intelligence, and this impact varies between males and females. The research results show that the spontaneous decision-making style hinders the emotional intelligence components in both girls and boys, and only the rational decision-making style positively influences the personal growth of young individuals. Furthermore, emotional intelligence acts as a mediator, increasing motivation for Personal Growth in boys while decreasing it in girls.  

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Published

2025-05-10

Submitted

2024-11-25

Revised

2025-02-01

Accepted

2025-02-08

How to Cite

Sadat Masjedi, F., Toloue Asghari, M., Argha, N., Ezatpanah Latifi, F., & Hosni Hanzaei, E. (2025). Multi Group Analysis (MGA) Investigating the Relationship Between Decision-Making Styles and Personal Growth with the Mediating Role of Emotional Intelligence Among Young Boys and Girls. Iranian Journal of Educational Sociology, 8(2), 1-9. https://qijes.com/index.php/ijes/article/view/1342

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