Predictors of Altruistic Behaviour among a Sample of Emerging Adults at the United States International University in Africa

Abstract

Background: Altruistic behaviour also known as helping behaviour is characterized by self-sacrificing actions done to benefit or contribute to the welfare of others. Behavioural trends related to altruism change throughout the developmental life span; following the development of more complex cognitive processes. The purpose of this study was to assess predictors of altruistic behaviour among a sample of emerging adults at the United States International University (USIU-A). Methods: This study was conducted among a sample size (n)=141: 51% of participants were female and 49% male. The instrument used in the current study was the Self- Reported Altruism scale (SRA). Multivariate regression analysis was carried out to assess predictors of altruism using SPSS® (Version 20). Findings: The research findings report that among emerging adults’ altruistic behavioural trends were predicted by majorly age, presences of religion, and group size. However, gender, number of siblings, year of study and participants school were not statistically significant predictors of altruism among emerging adults. Furthermore, 71% of emerging adults suggested that socialization can be used to create awareness of altruism and its significance in society. Conclusion: Altruism in emerging adulthood increases positively as individuals’ grow from age 18 years to 25 years. Gender related stereotypes on altruism should be diminished as they do not influence self-reported altruism among emerging adults. Creation of awareness through social agents or actors will contribute greatly to nurturing altruism among emerging adults. Keywords: Altruistic behaviour; Emerging adults; Young adults; Helping behavior; Prosocial behavior