A Cross-National Study on Prosocial Behaviors in Emerging Adulthood During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Emerging adulthood is marked by changes and exploration of life directions and is significantly impacted by crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-national study examined the psychological, relational, and contextual factors associated with prosocial behaviors— adherence to COVID-19 measures and helping strangers—among emerging adults (ages 18–25) from 14 countries during the pandemic. We assessed empathy, social identification with those affected by COVID-19, family and friend support, and perceived pandemic-related burden while exploring the moderating effects of country-level restrictions and cultural values. Results showed that empathy and social identification were consistently linked to adherence and helping behaviors, with stronger associations observed in countries with moderate to high COVID-19 restrictions. The findings highlighted the complex role of empathy and social identity in fostering prosocial behavior under varying cultural contexts and suggested pathways for enhancing community resilience during global crises.
Source: Emerging Adulthood
Authors: Marije M. E. van Meegen, Jolien Van der Graaff, Susan Branje, Laura Padilla-Walker, Gustavo Carlo, Christian Berger, Alexia Carrizales, Claire. F. Garandeau, Maria Gerbino, Zehra Gulseven, Skyler T. Hawk, Asiye Kumru, Anna Llorca-Mestre, María Cristina Richaud, Yuh-Ling Shen, Laura K. Taylor, Rita Žukauskienė, Maarten van Zalk
Institutions: Utrecht University, Brigham Young University, University of California, Los Angeles, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Purdue University West Lafayette, University of Turku, Sapienza University of Rome, Virginia Tech, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Özyeğin University, Universitat de València, Austral University, National Chung Cheng University, University College Dublin, Mykolas Romeris University, Osnabrück University
Language: English
Topic: COVID-19 and Mental Health
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,650
Funder: Universiteit Utrecht
OpenAlex ID: W4410126060