Late adolescents' and early adults' judgments about prosocial events: A structural equations approach

• Main Author: Maynard, Amanda Marie
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: ProQuest Dissertations & Theses 01-01-1998
• Subjects: Developmental psychology; Social psychology
• ISBN: 0599256419; 9780599256415

Little is known about adolescents' prosocial judgments and behaviors. This study investigated the utility of a new prosocial judgment measure with a sample of late adolescents and early adults (ages 18–22). First, analyses were conducted based on a structural equations approach (LISREL 7) to test a two factor model and to uncover gender differences in late adolescents' and early adults' prosocial judgments. Results indicated adequate fit of the two factor model for six (i.e., physical aggression, verbal aggression, academic, emotional, social, and deviant) of the seven domains of prosocial events. Fit of the model for the accidental domain was less than satisfactory. With respect to gender differences, females more than males indicated that they would respond to acquaintances involved in emotional or social events. However, when friends were involved, females more than their male counterparts indicated that they would respond to friends regardless of the type of event. Second, change in late adolescents' and early adults' prosocial judgments was assessed. Change in prosocial judgments was found for six (i.e., physical aggression, verbal aggression, academic, emotional, social, and deviant) of seven domains. The “no change” model fit best for the accidental domain. Independent effects for time were found for all seven domains. Third, the relationship between social desirability and prosocial judgments was investigated. Finally, the relationships among constructs (i.e., perspective-taking, empathic concern, and feelings of inadequacy) related to prosocial judgments were assessed. Implications are discussed.