Positive and negative empathy as predictors and outcomes of prosocial behavior toward friends and strangers

Abstract

There is extensive research on the bidirectional relation between empathy for others’ negative emotions (e.g. suffering) and prosocial behavior. However, no studies have examined the bidirectional relation between empathy for others’ positive emotions (e.g. joy) and prosocial behavior directed toward friends and strangers during early adolescence. A one-year longitudinal study included 384 adolescents (56.5% female; M age = 12.63 years). Results revealed a bidirectional relation between empathy and prosocial behavior. Positive affective empathy predicted later prosocial behavior toward strangers, while prosocial behavior toward strangers predicted changes in both negative and positive cognitive empathy. Similarly, positive cognitive and affective empathy predicted later prosocial behavior toward friends, which in turn was associated with increased cognitive empathy both positive and negative over time. This study provides a unique perspective for deepening our understanding of how positive and negative empathy relate to and influence different types of prosocial behavior during this stage of development.