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Longitudinal bidirectional relations between adolescents' sympathy and prosocial behavior
Gustavo Carlo1, Laura M Padilla-Walker2, Matthew G Nielson2
1Department of Human Development and Family Science.
Developmental Psychology
|September 29, 2015
Summary
This study reveals a dynamic link between sympathy and prosocial behavior in adolescents. While prosocial behavior initially declined, it later increased, showing a bidirectional relationship with sympathy development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Understanding adolescent sympathy and prosocial behavior is crucial but under-researched.
- Adolescence is a key period for the development of social-emotional tendencies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age trends in sympathy and prosocial behaviors.
- To examine the longitudinal, bidirectional relationship between sympathy and prosocial behaviors during adolescence.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study with 500 adolescents (12-year-olds at Time 1).
- Data collected at 5 time points, approximately one year apart.
- Measures assessed sympathy and prosocial behaviors.
Main Results:
- Significant bidirectional relations were found between sympathy and prosocial behaviors throughout adolescence.
- Prosocial behaviors showed an initial decrease followed by an increase into middle adolescence.
- Age trends in sympathy and prosocial behaviors were identified.
Conclusions:
- Sympathy and prosocial behaviors are interconnected throughout adolescent development.
- Findings contribute to theories of prosocial development.
- Further research is needed to fully understand these developmental trajectories.
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