Abstract
Prosocial behavior has played an irreplaceable role during the COVID-19 pandemic, not only in infection prevention and control, but also in improving individual mental health. The current study was conducted after COVID-19 control was under the stage of Ongoing Prevention and Control in China. Using the Interpersonal Response Scale, Prosocial Tendencies Measure and Big Five Personality Questionnaire. In total, 898 college students participated in the current study (Mage = 19.50, SDage = 1.05, Age range = 16–24). The result showed that against the background of the COVID-19 pandemic, college students' social responsibility partially mediated the relationship between empathy and prosocial behavior. This study provides new insights and inspiration for improving college students' mental health in the context of the pandemic.
Highlights
The global outbreak of COVID-19 began in December 2019 [1]
When individuals are threatened by natural disasters or health crises, prosocial behavior can be a positive factor in improving individual mental health
One-sample t-test was used to investigate the differences of the empathy, prosocial behavior and social responsibility between our study and the previous studies
Summary
The global outbreak of COVID-19 began in December 2019 [1]. The World Health Organization has classified the COVID-19 outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern [2]. COVID-19 triggered a psychological crisis on an unprecedented global scale, especially for college students who faced many challenges [3, 4]. Against the background of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to investigate the factors that improve college students’ mental health. When individuals are threatened by natural disasters or health crises, prosocial behavior can be a positive factor in improving individual mental health. Prosocial behavior can promote individual life satisfaction, happiness, mental health, and other psychological states [6]. Prosocial behavior interventions can promote individual mental health [7], and reduce individual depression and anxiety levels [6]. Against the background of the COVID-19 pandemic, promoting college students prosocial behaviors is a viable way to maintain mental health, which is of great significance.
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