Can helping others strengthen teens? Character strengths as mediators between prosocial behavior and adolescents’ internalizing symptoms

Abstract

Introduction: Identifying protective factors against internalizing behaviors during adolescence is a public health priority, as rates of depression and anxiety are rising. As such, the purpose of this study was to examine whether prosocial engagement toward strangers and family members is protective against depressive and anxiety symptoms, and whether this link is mediated by character strengths (i.e., hope, persistence, gratitude, and self-esteem). Method:The sample consisted of 500 US adolescents (52% female; 66% European American; 33% from single-parent families). Data across three consecutive yearly waves were utilized in the current study (M age Time 1 = 13.32).Results: Results of a longitudinal structural equation model revealed prosocial behavior toward strangers and family members were differentially related to character strengths, and that prosocial behavior toward strangers was indirectly associated with depressive symptoms via selfesteem. Conclusion:Taken together, findings extend the Developmental Cascades model and suggest that prosocial behavior and character strengths protect against depressive symptoms during the adolescent period. Findings are discussed in the context of relevant research and theory, and implications for future research and intervention programs are presented.

Experience of Peer Bloggers Using a Social Media Website for Adolescents With Depression or Anxiety: Proof-of-Concept Study

“…As previously discussed, participants joined and continued the study because of a desire to help others. Previous research has found similar results in the relationship between helping others and an increase in adolescents’ self-esteem [ 56 ]. By helping others, adolescents have a more positive view of themselves, and this positive self-image can lead to increased confidence [ 56 ].…”

“…Previous research has found similar results in the relationship between helping others and an increase in adolescents' self-esteem [56]. By helping others, adolescents have a more positive view of themselves, and this positive self-image can lead to increased confidence [56]. In our study, participants were motivated to blog to help their peers, felt that they did so in their responses in the 3-month survey, and thus had an increased positive view of themselves.…”

Study of the efficacy of the Hero program: Cross-national evidence

“…Finally, the interaction effect of time, condition, and gender was significant only in Argentina; see Table 4. The participants in the experimental group had higher levels of the presence of positive emotions toward an aggressor than the participants in the control group did in both countries [Argentina F (2,1146) In Argentina, the effect of the interventions on the presence of positive emotions toward an aggressor initially increased but then decreased in the follow-up evaluation (difference between follow-up and pretest Tukey's post hoc test t p = .13); see Table 2. In the case of Uruguay, the effect of the interventions on the presence of positive emotions toward an aggressor (Tukey's post hoc test t p < .001) and the absence of negative emotions toward an aggressor remained stable (difference between follow-up and pretest Tukey's post hoc test t p < .01); see Table 3.…”

“…Positive development emphasizes the study and promotion of abilities, psychological resources, values and positive social relationships [1]. Numerous studies in adolescents have shown the benefits of engaging in prosocial behaviors [2,3]. Hence, there is a need for tools or intervention programs that promote prosociality among adolescents in different areas of interpersonal development, such as within the family, friendships, and society in general.…”

How Equine-Assisted Activities Affect the Prosocial Behavior of Adolescents

“…This is a stage when mental health issues often surface, and if not managed in time, these can lead to delinquency or substance abuse [1], or can cause illnesses later in life [2]. For this reason, exploring ways to protect and help adolescents struggling with psychosocial factors is of high importance, and strengthening prosocial behaviors was found to be one such way [3]. This article describes a nonconventional method that may help youth to cope better in the adult world.…”