Prosocial Behavior in Adolescence: Gender Differences in Development and Links with Empathy

• DOI: 10.1007/s10964-017-0786-1
• Publication Date: 2017-11-28T12:57:20Z
• Authors: Jolien Van der Gr...; Gustavo Carlo; Elisabetta Crocetti; Hans M. Koot; Susan Branje
• Keywords: Prosocial Behavior; Health psychology; Legal psychology; History of psychology; Adolescent Development

Although adolescents' prosocial behavior is related to various positive outcomes, longitudinal research on its development and predictors still sparse. This 6-wave study investigated the of across adolescence, examined associations with perspective taking empathic concern. Participants were 497 adolescents (M age t1 = 13.03 years, 43% girls) who reported their behaviors, concern, taking. The results revealed marked gender differences in behavior. For boys, levels stable until 14, followed by an increase 17, a slight decrease thereafter. girls, increased 16 years then slightly decreased. Regarding associations, concern was consistently subsequent However, only indirectly behavior, via effect Tests direction effects showed support for notion that earlier predicts empathy-related traits, but girls. findings cognitive-developmental moral socialization theories primary role emotions predicting behaviors. Our inform strategies foster behaviors emphasizing rather than cognitions during adolescence.