Gender Difference in Adolescent Prosocial Behavior (1 CE)

Number of Credits:  1

This course is for: Clinical Psychologists, Counselors, and LMFTs

Course By: Joel Austin, PharmD

Content By: Van der Graaff, J., Carlo, G., Crocetti, E. et al. (2018). Prosocial Behavior in Adolescence: Gender Differences in Development and Links with Empathy. Journal of Youth and Adolescence 47, 1086–1099.

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10964-017-0786-1   

Course Description: Prosocial behavior is linked to a variety of positive outcomes, but research on its development during adolescence has been limited and inconsistent. The present study examined shifts in prosocial behavior between the ages of 13 and 18, focusing on gender differences in development as well as associations among prosocial behavior, perspective taking, and empathy. Based on surveys administered once per year, the authors found that prosocial behavior increased during this time period, with increases among girls occurring earlier than among boys. In addition, prosocial behavior was linked to the development of empathy among girls, while perspective taking was found to be related to the development of empathy. The results have implications for prevention and intervention strategies that facilitate prosocial behavior by promoting perspective taking and empathy.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the study's main purpose and methods for exploring the development of prosocial behavior
2. Describe the main findings of the study concerning relationships among adolescent prosocial behavior, gender, perspective taking, and empathy
3. Integrate the strengths and weaknesses of the study, and summarize the clinical implications for understanding and promoting prosocial behavior among adolescents

Course Outline:  

• Read and understand Prosocial Behavior in Adolescence: Gender Differences in Development and Links with Empathy
• Review the Course Description and Learning Objectives
• Analyze the relationships predicted and observed among prosocial behavior, gender, perspective taking, and empathy   
• Work through the post-test questions, using the article as the sole basis for your answers
• Revisit the article for any missed questions and/or to better understand how the development of prosocial behavior in adolescence is linked to gender, perspective taking, and empathy

Approvals: