Abstract
Altruism can be predicted by interpersonal traits. However, not all interpersonal traits that could predict altruism have been identified, and the underlying mediation mechanism behind this effect remains unclear. This research assumed that a Chinese indigenous interpersonal trait—interpersonal responsibility trait—would predict altruism (including both altruistic tendencies and altruistic behavior) and that perspective-taking would play a mediating role. Study 1 used questionnaires to examine the relationship between interpersonal responsibility and altruistic tendencies and the mediating effect of perspective-taking among 393 Chinese undergraduates. Study 2 tested the relationship between interpersonal responsibility and altruistic behavior and the mediation model among 95 Chinese undergraduates in a scenario study. In both studies, we found that interpersonal responsibility was positively associated with altruism, and the mediating effects of perspective-taking on the relationship were significant. These findings suggest a new interpersonal trait related to altruism, and prosocial cognitions, such as perspective-taking, may be important mediation mechanisms underlying the effects of interpersonal traits on altruism. Our research supports and expands the interpersonal self-support theory and deepens our understanding of the relationship between personality and prosociality.
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The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
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This study was supported by the Major projects of National Social Science Foundation of China (19ZDA356).
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XL and YF: Paper writing, data analysis, paper revising; MH: paper revising; LXX: Study design, paper writing, data analysis, paper revising.
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Li, X., Fang, Y., Huang, M. et al. The effect of interpersonal responsibility trait on altruism: The mediating role of perspective taking. Curr Psychol 42, 19537–19547 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-022-03073-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-022-03073-3