Psychological Development and Education ›› 2025, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (1): 51-59.doi: 10.16187/j.cnki.issn1001-4918.2025.01.06

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The Relationship between Interparental Conflict and Prosocial Behavior in Adolescents: The Role of Interpersonal Trust and Empathy

YOU Zhiqi1, GUO Yushun1, ZHANG Lu1, LI Xiaojun2   

  1. 1. Department of Social Work, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070;
    2. Tao Xingzhi Research Institute, Nanjing Xiaozhuang University, Nanjing 210038
  • Published:2025-01-22

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Abstract: A total of 1612 adolescents in grades 4~9 were investigated using the questionnaire method. On the basis of Attachment Theory and Emotional Security Theory, a structural equation model was used to examine the mediating mechanism of interpersonal trust and empathy in the relationship between interparental conflict and prosocial behaviour in adolescents. The research results showed that while the direct path between interparental conflict and prosocial behaviour was not significant, interparental conflict indirectly affected prosocial behaviour through the separate mediating effect of empathy and the sequential mediating effect of interpersonal trust and empathy. The research extends relevant theories and provides a basis for effective interventions for the promotion of prosocial behaviour in adolescents.

Key words: prosocial behavior, interparental conflict, interpersonal trust, empathy

CLC Number: 

  • B844
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