Poster #127 - Relations between Prosocial, Internalizing, and Externalizing Behaviors During Childhood and Adolescence: A Meta-Analysis

• In Event: 2-163 - Poster Session 08
  In Poster Session: PS 08 Section - Moral Development

Integrative Statement

Research on prosocial behavior has increased in the past three decades, highlighting prosocial behavior as a positive end in itself; this study sought to extend this work by clarifying the influence of prosocial behavior, specifically whether it acts as a deterrent to problem behaviors as well. The purpose of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis analyzing relations between prosocial behavior and externalizing and internalizing behaviors during childhood and adolescence. Prosocial behavior is defined as voluntary behavior intended to benefit others (Eisenberg et al., 2015) and is relevant to youth because it traditionally signifies the development of a moral identity and plays a positive role in youths’ development. For example, prosocial behavior is consistently linked to desirable child and adolescent outcomes such as sympathy, educational achievement, and self-esteem (Padilla-Walker & Carlo, 2014). Recently, scholars have investigated relations between prosocial behavior and problem behaviors. This is based on a contemporary reconceptualization of a tenet of Problem Behavior Theory (PBT, Jessor & Jessor, 1987), which suggests that behavioral systems, including patterns of engagement in prosocial behavior, enable individuals to control future urges to engage in problem behaviors by changing their behavioral patterns (to more positive ones). Research based on the PBT suggests that higher levels of prosocial behaviors are negatively related to externalizing behaviors (e.g., aggression and substance use, Carlo et al., 2014; 2011) and internalizing behaviors (e.g. depression and emotional exhaustion, Grant & Sonnentag, 2010; Padilla-Walker et al., 2015). Although empirical support for the utility of the PBT has been provided, there are some inconsistencies in the research literature, as a small body of work claims prosocial behavior has weak, neutral, or even positive links to problem behaviors (e.g., Gerardy et al., 2015; Kokko et al., 2006). In addition, research focusing on relations between prosocial and problem behaviors has been conducted across varying disciplines using a variety of terminologies and conceptualizations when referring to and measuring prosocial behavior. As such, the current meta-analysis is needed to provide a detailed, synthesized explanation regarding the solidarity of associations between prosocial, externalizing, and internalizing behaviors. Forty-three studies were included in this meta-analysis, containing 497 correlational, independent effect sizes. Results analyzed using Comprehensive Meta-analysis III software showed that higher levels of prosocial behavior were significantly associated with lower levels of externalizing behavior, as expected (r+ = .18, 95% CI [.12-.24], p < .001, k = 31; I² = 94.28; τ²= .03). Surprisingly, prosocial behavior was not significantly associated with internalizing behaviors (r+ = .04, 95% CI [-.00-.09], p = .065, k = 19; I² = 89.33; τ²= .08). Follow-up analyses revealed specific relations between prosocial behavior and forms of externalizing (i.e. aggression, delinquency, substance use) and internalizing (i.e. depression, anxiety, and emotional problems) behaviors. A variety of moderators were also analyzed, such as region, age, income, and sex. Results help clarify associations between prosocial and problem behaviors, further demonstrate utility of the PBT, provide ample directions for future research, and highlight implications of prosocial behavior as a potential deterrent for problem behavior.

Authors

• Madison Memmott-Elison, University of Missouri
  Presenting Author

• Laura M Padilla-Walker, Brigham Young University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Alan Hawkins, Brigham Young University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Hailey Holmgren, University of Minnesota
  Non-Presenting Author