The dispositional basis of selective prosociality

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Personality Psychology

Background:

• Prosocial behavior is crucial for societal well-being, but individuals often exhibit it selectively, contributing to social inequalities.
• Previous research primarily examined situational factors influencing selective prosociality, neglecting the role of individual personality traits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the dispositional (personality-based) underpinnings of selective prosociality.
• To compare the personality correlates and temporal stability of selective prosociality with general prosociality.

Main Methods:

• Four preregistered studies utilized incentivized behavioral paradigms to assess personality traits (including the Big Five, dark factor, and authoritarianism) and selective prosociality.
• Temporal stability was examined over four weeks, and qualitative data explored attitudinal drivers.

Main Results:

• Selective prosociality is significantly predicted by personality traits distinct from those associated with general prosociality.
• The dark factor of personality and right-wing authoritarianism were strong positive predictors of selective prosociality.
• Social dominance orientation was positively correlated, while openness was negatively correlated with selective prosociality.

Conclusions:

• Selective prosociality has a dispositional basis, with certain personality traits consistently influencing giving behavior.
• The construct of selective prosociality demonstrates moderate temporal stability, supporting its conceptualization as a traitlike characteristic.
• Attitudinal preferences significantly drive selective prosociality, offering insights into its underlying mechanisms.