Associations between friendship, sympathy, and prosocial behavior toward friends

Laura M. Padilla-Walker, Brigham Young University - Provo
Ashley M. Fraser, Brigham Young University - Provo
Brent B. Black, Brigham Young University - Provo
Roy A. Bean, Brigham Young University - Provo

Abstract

The current study examined the associations between multiple aspects of the friend relationship (connection, companionship, psychological control) and global prosocial behavior toward friends. Participants included 467 early adolescents (M age of child=13.32,SD=1.05, 49% female, 69% European American), and data were collected at two timepoints, roughly 1 year apart. Structural equation modeling suggested that friend psychological control was negatively associated with prosocial behavior toward friends, while friend connection was positively associated (via adolescent sympathy). Discussion focuses on the friend relationship as an important influence on adolescent sympathy and prosocial behavior toward friends