The purpose of this study was to examine the mediating effect of emotional intelligence on the relationship
between parenting behavior perceived by middle school students and peer relationships. For these aims of this
study, 432 middle school students in Busan completed the questionnaires of parenting behavior, emotional
intelligence, and peer relationship scales. The data were analyzed using correlation analysis and structural equation
modelling. There results showed that parenting behavior perceived by middle school students is positively related
to emotional intelligence and peer relationships. Emotional intelligence is related to peer relationships in a
positive way. Emotional intelligence partially mediate the relationship between parenting behavior perceived by
middle school students and peer relationships, too. As a consequence, while parenting behavior perceived by
middle school students influenced on peer relationships, emotional intelligence, personal characteristic factors,
affected in that path.. Based on this finding, it suggests that the activities for emotional intelligence
improvement will be important strategies to understanding and therapeutic interventions in peer difficulties in
middle school students.