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 (2018–2022) among adolescents aged 9–22 years (N = 142, 63% female, middle-high SES, white European descent), trajectories of prosocial actions toward 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 increases in prosocial behaviors to friends and peers, dire and compliant behavior, and charitable giving, which were more strongly explained by pubertal maturation than age. Public prosocial behavior decreased with age. The results confirm the multidimensionality of prosocial behavior, demonstrate correlations with rebelliousness, and show that prosocial behavior is context-dependent.