Are Real-World Prosociality Programs Associated with Greater Psychological Well-Being in Primary School-Aged Children?

ABSTRACT: Quality education can build a sustainable, happier world, but what experiences support student well-being? Numerous laboratory studies suggest that prosocial behavior predicts greater psychological well-being. However, relatively little work has examined whether real-world prosociality programs are associated with greater well-being in primary school-aged children (aged 5-12). In Study 1, we surveyed 24/25 students who completed their 6th Grade curriculum in a long-term care home alongside residents called "Elders," which offered numerous opportunities for planned and spontaneous helping. We found that the meaning that students derived from their prosocial interactions with the Elders was strongly associated with greater psychological well-being. In Study 2, we conducted a pre-registered f

SUBMITTER: Proulx JDE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10002419 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature