Prosocial Behavior

Abstract

Past research has shown a number of significant correlations between prosocial behavior, spirituality, narcissism, and satisfaction with life, but no studies have attempted to examine all four of these variables together. The present study attempted to replicate correlations found in past studies as well as develop a model to explain prosocial behavior using spirituality, narcissism, and satisfaction with life. 100 Gustavus Adolphus College students took four surveys measuring each of the four constructs. Spirituality was the only variable found to account for some of the variance of prosocial behavior. Positive correlations were found between spirituality and satisfaction with life, prosocial behavior and spirituality, satisfaction with life and narcissism, public prosocial behavior and narcissism, dire prosocial behavior and spirituality, and altruistic prosocial behavior and spirituality. The reasons behind these correlations are examined in the discussion section. Prosocial Behavior 3 Relationships Between Prosocial Behavior, Spirituality, Narcissism and Satisfaction with Life Prosocial behavior can be defined as behavior that benefits society. The prosocial or altruistic personality is said to include moral reasoning, empathic concern, the ability to take the perspective of others, and agreeableness (Sprecher and Fehr, 2005). It is a broad construct that can be classified into at least the two different categories of global prosocial behavior and situation-specific prosocial behavior. In the past few decades, much research has been done on prosocial behavior (Carlo, 2003). For the purpose of this study, the literature relevant to the relationships between each of variables of prosocial behavior, satisfaction with life, narcissism, and spirituality is reviewed. The present study will determine whether or not these variables can account for some of the variance of prosocial behavior. In addition, correlations between each of the variables will be examined. Research has consistently shown positive correlations between spirituality and prosocial behavior. Rossano (2007) claimed that the belief in supernatural forces in life (gods, ancestors, spirits) influenced our predecessors to work together and behave more socially responsibly than they would have otherwise. It is thought that if one believes his or her behavior is being monitored by a supernatural force, then selfishness will be reduced and prosocial behavior will be increased. This finding coincides with Batson (1983) who theorized that humans are biologically programmed to be altruistic toward their kin, but that social forces such as religious beliefs are necessary in order for humans to extend this altruism outside of their kinship circle. Further, he said that humans act altruistically towards their own kin to ensure the survival of their genes, but acting altruistically towards those who are biologically unrelated produces no such survival benefit. Therefore, social influences such as religion provide reason for humans to act altruistically towards ot...