The Association Between Perceived Social Support in Adolescence and Prosocial Behavior in Adulthood

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Faculty Sponsor: Lisa Dierker

Live Poster Session: Zoom Link

Kiran Eastman 

Hi! I’m Kiran a College of Letters and perspective psychology major. I enjoy hiking, biking, snowboarding, and reading. I am very interested in the study of consciousness and constructions of selfhood.

Abstract

Adolescents’ social support systems influence well-being. Social exchange theory posits that individuals who perceive themselves as having more social support will provide more support to others. Little is known about the possible long-term relationship between perceived social support (PSS) during adolescence and prosocial behavior (PSB) in middle adulthood. This project aims to fill that gap in understanding this relationship to determine how an individual’s perceived level of social support is associated with the prevalence of prosocial behavior(s) in adulthood. Additionally, examining how the association differs based on sex assigned at birth. Respondents (Wave I n=6504 and Wave V n=4196) were drawn from the U.S. National Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent Health. PSS and PSB were summarized using metrics that combined various questions related to each concept. A significant association was found between PSS and PSB and this association significantly differed between males and females.

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