A longitudinal study of multidimensional prosocial behavior during adolescence - Data Files

The dataset from a cohort-sequential longitudinal study, 'Brainlinks', explores the development of prosocial behavior and societal contributions during adolescence. This accelerated three-wave project follows adolescents aged 9 to 22 years (N = 142, with 90 females) from middle to high socio-economic backgrounds.

Background   This data was used to examine the dissociable developmental trajectories of prosocial and rebellious behaviors in adolescence. The study, titled A longitudinal study of multidimensional prosocial behavior during adolescence, examined prosocial actions towards friends and peers, prosocial tendencies across multiple situations, giving to charities, and general social value orientation. Developmental patterns were tested for age, self-reported puberty, and testosterone and estradiol changes.

Method   Data were collected through online questionnaires via the Qualtrics domain and during lab visits at the MRI scanner owned by the Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC).

Result   The study demonstrates mostly increases in prosocial behaviors, which were more strongly explained by pubertal maturation than age, but decreases in public prosocial behavior.

Conclusion   The results confirm the multidimensionality of prosocial behavior, demonstrated correlations with rebelliousness, and show that prosocial behavior is context-dependent, including effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.