Examining the Predictors of Prosocial Behavior Among University Students: The Role of Empathy and Social Values

Abstract

Background. This cross-sectional research examined the predictors of prosocial behavior among university students.

Method. This study employed a cross-sectional quantitative design. The sample comprised N=400, equally distributed male and female university students. The age range of the participants ranged from 18 to 45 years. Non-probability, convenience sampling was used to draw the sample. Data were collected through an online survey and an in-person questionnaire. The 16-item Toronto Empathy Questionnaire (TEQ){Spreng, 2009 #273}, the 25-item Asian Values Scale- Revised (AVS-R), and the 16-item Prosocial Behavior Scale (PBS) were administered along with a self-structured demographic sheet and consent form. Data was analyzed using SPSS (version 27).

Results. The quantitative analysis found that female university students showed higher levels in the context of empathy, social values, and prosocial behavior, additionally, there is also found that urban university students exhibited higher levels of empathy, social values, and prosocial behavior. It was also revealed that prosocial behavior is positively correlated with empathy and social values in university students. Furthermore, it was also evidenced based on of findings, that prosocial behavior significantly impacts empathy.

Implications. The study offered significant implications for academic institutions and society as a whole. By illuminating the relationship between empathy, social values, and prosocial behavior, this research contributes to the advancement of educational programs, community service initiatives and interventions designed to foster empathy and instill social values in university students could be developed.