Enabling relations as determinants of self-satisfaction in the youth: The path from self-satisfaction to prosocial behaviors as explained by strength of inner self

Abstract

The development of a positive self-concept is crucial for young people to flourish and thrive. Self-satisfaction stemming from a positive self-evaluation is assumed to be partially contingent upon the quality of relationships that the individual has with socialization agents. The ability to view oneself as worthy and valuable has the potential to translate to positive developmental outcomes including a desire to engage in prosocial behaviors. In this study, the association of youth’s enabling relations in different social contexts with their self-satisfaction was examined. Analysis of data from Filipino college youth (N = 1001) suggests that enabling relations within the family, school, peer, and community are factors related to self-satisfaction. Among these, relationships formed in school appeared to have the strongest association with self-satisfaction. Further analysis showed that self-satisfaction has direct effects on prosocial behaviors, and indirect effects through strength of inner self. Implications of the findings especially the importance of helping the youth achieve self-satisfaction are discussed.