The role of age and self-control in shaping prosocial behavior: Age and preschool attendance as moderators

Background: The development of self-control in early childhood is crucial for fostering prosocial behaviors such as helping, sharing, and comforting. This study explores the relationship between self-control and prosocial behavior in preschool children, considering the influence of age and preschool attendance. Objective: To investigate how age and preschool attendance moderate the relationship between self-control and prosocial behaviors in young children. Participants and Setting: A sample of 97 preschoolers aged 36 to 72 months was assessed using the Social Behavior Assessment System for Preschool and the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Revised. Methods: The study employed path analysis to examine the direct effects of age on self-control and prosocial behaviors, and the moderating role of preschool attendance in these relationships. Results: The findings indicate that age positively influences both self-control and prosocial behaviors. Additionally, preschool attendance significantly moderates the relationship between self-control and prosocial behavior, with children attending preschool demonstrating higher levels of both traits. The effect sizes for the relationships were statistically significant, with a path coefficient of .41 for age's influence on self-control and .38 for self-control's impact on prosocial behavior (p < .001). Conclusions: Enhancing self-control in preschool settings can significantly boost prosocial behaviors in children. These findings underscore the importance of early childhood education in promoting social and emotional development.