Relationship between reputational concern and altruistic behavior in adolescence and adulthood

Reputation plays an essential role in promoting altruistic behavior in human societies. Although individual differences in reputational concern are associated with altruistic behavior, it is unclear whether this relationship differs by age. This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between two aspects of reputational concern (praise seeking and rejection avoidance) and altruistic behavior toward various targets (family, friends, and strangers) in adolescence and adulthood. We collected data from 875 participants between the ages of 15 and 59 (420 males, 455 females). Results indicated that praise seeking and altruistic behavior toward family were positively related only during 15–24.45 years of age. In addition, praise seeking and altruistic behavior toward friends were positively related only during 15–43.37 years of age. In contrast, the positive relationship between praise seeking and altruistic behavior toward strangers did not differ with age. The relationship between rejection avoidance and altruistic behavior toward any recipient did not differ with age. These findings highlight the need to incorporate a developmental perspective when examining the relationship between reputational concerns, particularly praise seeking, and altruistic behavior.