Prosocial Behaviors in Adolescents: The Role of Perceived ParentalProsociality and Causal Attribution Style

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the extent to which perceived parental prosociality and causal attribution style predict prosocial behavior in adolescents. A purposive sample of 612 Argentine adolescents, aged 13 to 18, completed the Prosocial Behavior Scale, the Attributional Style Questionnaire, and the
Perceived Parental Prosociality Scale. The results of the linear regression analysis indicated that the model was significant and explained 16.8% of the variance in prosocial behavior. However, only perceived parental prosociality proved to be a significant predictor, while attributional style did not show a statistically relevant effect. These findings highlight the central role of parental figures as influential role models in the development of helping behaviors during adolescence. Adolescents’ perceptions of their caregivers’ prosocial disposition are positively associated with their own tendency to act in the best interests of others. Although attributional style was expected to also have an impact on prosociality, its lack of significance could be explained by methodological issues related to the instrument used or by the complexity of the construct involved in the attributional process. The implications of these results for future interventions in educational and family settings are discussed, highlighting the need to involve parents and caregivers in programs that promote prosocial behaviors in young people.