Social Predictors of Prosocial Behavior Among Filipino Adolescent College Students

Prosocial behavior is an important developmental outcome in adolescence, yet studies in the Filipino context are limited, particularly in understanding the role of social factors. This study aimed to examine how empathy, moral reasoning, and social influences from parents, peers, and school predict prosocial behavior among Filipino adolescent college students. Using a descriptive-correlational design, data were collected from 100 participants aged 18–21 years through standardized online questionnaires: Prosocialness Scale for Adults, Toronto Empathy Questionnaire, Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test (moral reasoning), Parent–Adult Child Relationship Questionnaire, Peer Relationships Scale, and Positive Youth Development Scale. Results indicated high levels of moral reasoning (M=125.0, SD=13.5) and empathy (M=47.7, SD=8.2), while scores for parental influence (M=53.3, SD=11.3), peer relationships (M=15.6, SD=2.5), school environment (M=83.5, SD=14.8), and prosocial behavior (M=65.3, SD=9.7) were moderate. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive associations between prosocial behavior and moral reasoning (r=0.49, p<0.01), empathy (r=0.29, p<0.01), parental influence (r=0.32, p<0.01), and school environment (r=0.43, p<0.01), with no significant correlation for peer influence. Multiple regression analysis indicated moral reasoning (β=0.33, p<0.05) as the strongest predictor, accounting for 23.9% of variance in prosocial behavior (F[5,74]=5.96, p<0.001). This suggests that, within this Filipino adolescent group, internalized moral values are more pivotal in shaping prosocial behavior compared to empathy or external social influences. These findings underline the importance of designing culturally responsive programs that specifically enhance moral reasoning to foster prosocial behaviors among Filipino adolescents effectively.