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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 28, 2025

A Modified Trier Social Stress Test for Vulnerable Mexican American Adolescents

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Published on: July 10, 2017

Longitudinal Associations Between Prosocial Behavior, Internalizing Symptoms, and Suicide Risk During the Transition

Laura M Padilla-Walker¹, Katey Workman¹, Corinne Archibald¹

¹School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah.

The Journal of Adolescent Health : Official Publication of the Society for Adolescent Medicine

|February 13, 2025

Summary

Prosocial behavior towards family in emerging adulthood fosters self-esteem, significantly reducing risks of depression and suicide later on. Strong family ties are crucial for mental well-being during this life stage.

Keywords:

Family Internalizing symptoms Prosocial behavior Suicide risk Transition to adulthood

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Area of Science:

Developmental Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Public Health

Background:

Emerging adulthood is a critical developmental period.
Increasing rates of internalizing symptoms and suicide risk are observed in this population.
Resiliency factors require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

To examine longitudinal associations between prosocial behavior, self-esteem, and mental health outcomes.
To identify protective factors against depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and suicidal risk.
To understand the role of family relationships in emerging adult mental health.

Main Methods:

Longitudinal study design with 472 emerging adults.
Data collected at two time points (ages ~18 and ~23).
Path analyses used to examine direct and indirect effects.

Main Results:

Prosocial behavior toward family at Time 1 predicted lower depressive symptoms and suicidal risk at Time 2.
Self-esteem mediated the association between prosocial behavior and mental health outcomes.
These findings underscore the protective role of family interactions.

Conclusions:

Family relationships are vital for mitigating internalizing symptoms and suicide risk.
Fostering prosocial behavior towards family can enhance self-esteem and mental well-being.
Interventions should consider the importance of family support in emerging adulthood.