Pro-social Behavior as a Psychological Correlate of Personal Growth, Meaning in Life and Self-Concept Clarity among Gen Z in Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Prosocial behavior has been associated with positive psychological effects. Though, within the cultural milieu of Pakistan, limited empirical evidence subsists, especially among Generation Z. The current study aimed to investigate the prosocial behavior as a psychological correlate of personal growth, meaning in life, and self-concept clarity among emerging adults of the country. The study also compared the psychological well-being of the individuals engaged in prosocial behaviors (volunteers) with the individuals not engaged in any prosocial activity (non-volunteers).  

Objective: The key objective of the study is to explore the associations between prosocial behavior, personal growth, meaning in life, and self-concept clarity among Gen Z in Pakistan.

Method: A quantitative, cross-sectional, correlational, and comparative research design was employed to conduct the study. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling. A survey was conducted with 1000 individuals of the Gen Z aged between 18 - 28 years old.

The sample comprised of 1000 participants. The volunteers - engaged in prosocial behaviors [N=500 (further divided into N=250 males and N=250 females, in order to control the gender bias)].

The non volunteers - not engaged in any prosocial activities [N=500 (further divided into N=250 males and N=250 females, in order to control the gender bias)].

All participants were either college or university students, residing in four cities of Pakistan: Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), its twin city Rawalpindi, Lahore and Gujrat. Participants completed standardized self-report questionnaires evaluating prosocial behavior, personal growth, meaning in life, and self-concept clarity. Data was analyzed via SPSS, using Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients, independent samples t-Tests, multiple regression analyses, mediating analyses and manova analysis.      

Results:  The results of the study supported all the proposed hypotheses. Scores indicated that the volunteers scored significantly higher than the non-volunteers on self-concept clarity, meaning in life and personal growth. Prosocial voluntary behavior is significantly and positively associated with all three psychological constructs of the study. In addition, prosocial behavior emerged as a significant predictor of self-concept clarity, meaning in life and personal growth.

Conclusion and implications: The findings emphasize the psychological gains of participating in voluntary prosocial behaviors. The study enlightens the role of altruistic behavior in cultivating positive identity development and psychological well-being among Gen Z of the country.  

The study suggests imperative implications for educational institutions, mental health professionals, and policy makers. This study lays emphasis on the promotion of prosocial engagement as an alleyway to psychological flourishing and youth development.