A longitudinal study of multidimensional prosocial behavior during adolescence

This study examines the distinct developmental trajectories of prosocial and rebellious behaviors in adolescence. Using data from an accelerated three-wave project among adolescents aged 9-22-yrs (N = 142, 63% female, middle to high SES), trajectories of prosocial actions towards friends and peers, prosocial tendencies across multiple situations, giving to charities, and general social value orientation were examined. By examining age-, puberty-, and hormonal-related trajectories, the study demonstrates mostly increases in prosocial behaviors, which were more strongly explained by pubertal maturation than age, but decreases in public prosocial behavior. The results confirm the multidimensionality of prosocial behavior, demonstrate correlations with rebelliousness, and show that prosocial behavior is context-dependent.