How do Personality Factors Associate with Prosocial Behavior? The Mediating Role of Empathy

Alsalman Arwa Abdullah,Hanina H Hamsan,Aini Azeqa Ma'Rof

doi:10.6007/ijarbss/v10-i16/8303

Alsalman Arwa Abdullah, Hanina H Hamsan + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.6007/ijarbss/v10-i16/8303

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Abstract

This research aims to examine the relationships between empathy, prosocial behaviour, and personality factors among Saudi undergraduate students. In total, 394 Saudi undergraduates participated in the study, which employed the prosocial behaviour scale (PBC), international personality item pool (IPIP), and Toronto empathy questionnaire (TEQ). The Pearson correlation analysis was used to investigate the associations between the research variables, while process macro analysis used to examine whether empathy mediates the association between agreeableness and prosocial behaviour. The research findings indicate that personality factors are related to empathy. Saudi undergraduates who show higher degrees of empathy would also show high degrees of prosocial behaviours. In addition, personality factors were similarly associated with prosocial behaviour. The results also show that empathy mediates the relationship between prosocial behaviour and agreeableness. The results of this study expand the existing literature review on prosocial behaviour by explaining how personality factors influence prosocial behaviour through the mediation role of empathy.

Highlights

Prosocial behaviour is one of the most considerable types of positive behaviour that promote social relationships (Fabes, Carlo, Kupanoff, & Laible, 1999)
Objectives of the Study This study aims to investigate the relationship between empathy, prosocial behaviour, and personality factors
This research emphasises the importance of empathy and personality factors regarding prosocial behaviour among Saudi undergraduates

Summary

Introduction

Prosocial behaviour is one of the most considerable types of positive behaviour that promote social relationships (Fabes, Carlo, Kupanoff, & Laible, 1999). It is a useful behaviour directed at others too (Eisenberg & Miller, 1987). Studies have revealed the low level of prosocial behaviour among young people, which is an indicator that may have severe consequences on their behaviour The lowering of the level of prosocial behaviour amongst the youth increases their level of violence and aggression (McMahon et al, 2013) It may even be an indication of crimes (Hamalainen & Pulkkinen, 1995). It is important to consider carefully the steps for raising the level of prosocial behaviour

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