Emotional intelligence, perceived stress, and life satisfaction among university students: examining direct and moderating relationships

University students are frequently exposed to academic and psychosocial stressors that may affect their psychological well-being. This study examined the relationships between perceived stress, emotional intelligence, and life satisfaction among university students. A cross-sectional design was conducted with 231 students from Spain and Italy enrolled in Physical Activity and Sport Sciences programs. Participants completed the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14), and the Trait Meta-Mood Scale (TMMS). Results indicated that perceived stress was negatively associated with life satisfaction, whereas emotional intelligence dimensions were positively related to life satisfaction. However, emotional intelligence did not moderate the relationship between stress and life satisfaction. In addition, Spanish students reported lower stress and higher life satisfaction than Italian students. These findings suggest that emotional intelligence contributes to student well-being primarily through direct associations with life satisfaction rather than by buffering the effects of stress.