Assessment of prosocial behaviour of school-going adolescents: A cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Introduction: Prosocial behaviour is one of the key features of the development of school-going adolescents. Therefore, the current paper focuses on the prosocial behaviour of school-going adolescents in Kollam District, Kerala. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study where 600 school-going adolescents, their parents and 60 class teachers were selected through cluster sampling method. English and Malayalam version of the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was administered among respondents. Chi-square and multiple linear regression models were used for analysing the data. Results: Self-report of prosocial behaviour predictors were significantly associated with gender (P < 0.01), urban-rural settings (P < 0.001) and government-private schools (P < 0.001). Parents' report shows highly significant relationship with gender (P < 0.001) whereas teachers' report is significantly related to urban-rural settings (P < 0.01). Conclusion: The current study found that one-fifth of school-going adolescents had borderline to abnormal (self – 17.4%; parents' – 16.9%; teachers' report – 20.8%) prosocial behaviour. School-going adolescents should involve in volunteer activities and campaigns for better development in society.

Keywords

• assessment
• prosocial behaviour
• school-going adolescents