The Mediating Role of Prosocial Motivation in the Relationship Between Empathy and Prosocial Be-havior in Early Adolescence

Engagement in prosocial actions is essential for promoting positive peer relationships and empathy in adolescence dynamically reinforces these outcomes. The aim of the present study was to explore the possible underlying mechanisms that link empathy and prosocial behavior and, more specifically, the mediating role of prosocial motivation, in early adolescence. 393 adolescents (M age = 12.28 years, SD = .90) participated in the study. Self-report measures were used to assess empathy, prosocial behavior, and prosocial motivation within the framework of Self-Determination Theory (SDT). Results indicated that both cognitive and affective empathy significantly predicted prosocial behavior through identified motivation, an autonomous form of motivation, which acted as a mediator in this relationship. In contrast, external motivation, a more controlled form of motivation, did not mediate the relationship between empathy and prosocial behavior. Overall, findings are consistent with SDT, highlighting the importance of autonomous motivation and psychological autonomy in fostering prosocial behavior and well-being in adolescence.