Childhood adversity and later life prosocial behavior: A qualitative comparative study of Irish older adult survivors

Abstract

ObjectiveAlthough childhood adversity can have lasting effects into later life, positive adaptations have also been observed, including an increased tendency toward prosocial behavior. However, little is known about the link between childhood adversity and later life prosocial behavior, with a particular scarcity of research on intrafamilial childhood adversity. Therefore, this study aimed to examine older adult's experiences of childhood adversity and identify mechanisms linked to prosocial behavior. Two adversity contexts (intrafamilial and extrafamilial) were compared to explore individual, as well as broader cultural and contextual mechanisms linking childhood adversity and later life prosocial behavior.MethodSemi-structured interviews (60–120 min) were conducted with N = 29 Irish (older) adult survivors of childhood adversity: n = 12 intrafamilial survivors (mean age: 58 years, range: 51–72), n = 17 institutional survivors (mean age: 61 years, range: 50–77). Interviews were analyzed using the framework analysis method, with reference to the conceptual model of altruism born of suffering.ResultsFive themes were identified on prosocial mechanisms, with three themes in both survivor groups (enhanced empathy, self-identity, amelioration), and two group-specific themes (compassion fatigue in intrafamilial survivors; denouncing detrimental social values in institutional survivors).ConclusionResults identified motivational processes and volitional factors linked to later life prosocial behavior. Connections to caring roles, (lack of) support, and social norms in childhood, as well as the need for a sense of purpose and meaning from the adversities in adulthood, highlight potential targets for psychotherapeutic intervention to promote prosocial responding and positive adaptation for childhood adversity survivors.

Early adversity and prosocial behavior in adolescents from Bogotá: a cross-sectional study

“…Each item score from 0 to 2 (not true, somewhat true, or certainly true), each scale has a score ranging from 0 to 10, and all scores are summed up to generate a total di culties score from 0 to 40 (25). The scores for total di culties were ranked as close to the average (0-14), slightly raised (15)(16)(17), high (18-19) and very high (26).…”

“…For example, young adults who experienced childhood or adolescent maltreatment are more likely to exhibit psychopathic traits and less altruistic attitudes (15), and physical abuse is a positive predictor of deviant behaviors (16). Besides, evidence suggests that childhood adversity can lead to prosocial behaviors in adulthood through motivations like enhanced empathy, attempts to ameliorate the consequences of ACEs, nding a sense of purpose, and helping others with similar experiences (17).…”

“…e Family Adaptability, Partnership, Growth, Affection, and Resolve (Family APGAR): total scores ranging from 0-20, 0-9 indicate severe dysfunction; 10-13, moderate dysfunction; 14-17, mild dysfunction. f Strengths and Di culties Questionnaire (SDQ) -Di culties scores: The scores for total di culties are ranked as close to the average (0-14), slightly raised(15)(16)(17), high (18-19) and very high (20-40). g Strengths and Di culties Questionnaire (SDQ) prosocial behavior subscale: total score of 5 indicates low prosocial behavior and 0-4, very low.…”

Early adversity and prosocial behavior in adolescents from Bogotá: a cross-sectional study

“…For example, young adults who experienced childhood or adolescent maltreatment are more likely to exhibit psychopathic traits and less altruistic attitudes [ 15 ], and physical abuse is a positive predictor of deviant behaviors [ 16 ]. Besides, some evidence suggests that childhood adversity can lead to prosocial behaviors in adulthood through motivations like enhanced empathy, attempts to ameliorate the consequences of ACEs, finding a sense of purpose, and helping others with similar experiences [ 17 ].…”