910 - ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN PERSONAL VALUES AND PROSOCIAL BEHAVIOR IN CHINESE ADOLESCENTS: EVIDENCE FROM A LONGITUDINAL PANEL NETWORK ANALYSIS

Session: D06S002 - Child and Adolescent Mental Health 2
AUTHORS:
Zhang Yifan (State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University ~ Beijing ~ China) , Lai Xiangxiong (Institute of Digital Education, China National Academy of Educational Sciences ~ Beijing ~ China) , Yang Zhengqian (State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University ~ Beijing ~ China) , Wang Huanlei (State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University ~ Beijing ~ China) , Xiang Kexin (State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University ~ Beijing ~ China) , Wang Yun (State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University ~ Beijing ~ China)
Abstract text:
Personal values are generally regarded as important motivational goals that influence an individual's prosocial behavior. Concurrently, prosocial behavior can help to internalize corresponding personal values by shaping self-perception and providing positive social feedback, particularly among adolescents who are still developing their values. Existing empirical studies have primarily focused on the unidirectional effects of personal values on prosocial behavior, overlooking potential reciprocal influences. Furthermore, these studies are often constrained by traditional methodologies, such as regression analysis or cross-lagged panel models, and tend to examine only a few values. This makes it challenging to capture the intricate and systematic relationships between various personal values and prosocial behavior. This study used cross-lagged panel network models based on two waves of annual follow-up data from 4,363 adolescents (Mean age = 13.38 years, SD age = 2.51; 51.2% female) to examine the dynamic relationships between the ten personal values proposed by Schwartz's circular model of values (self-direction, stimulation, hedonism, achievement, power, security, conformity, tradition, benevolence, and universalism) and prosocial behavior. Results showed that: (1) prosocial behavior showed the highest out-expected influence and the lowest in-expected influence in the network, suggesting that it primarily influenced personal values rather than being influenced by them. (2) Prosocial behavior exerted primary positive effects on universalism, benevolence, stimulation, self-direction, and achievement. (3) Benevolence and universalism, in turn, were the main personal values that predicted prosocial behavior positively. The findings reveal a bidirectional relationship between personal values and prosocial behavior. This highlights the crucial role of promoting prosocial behavior among adolescents in shaping their personal values. Therefore, encouraging young people to engage in prosocial activities is an effective way of fostering these values.