A new study indicates that Mexican-Origin adolescents who benefit from both emotional backing from family and friends, as well as positive physiological traits, are more inclined to show kindness and empathy towards others.
Adolescents receiving emotional support from relatives and friends, combined with a physiological makeup that allows them to respond positively to others, are more prone to exhibit prosocial behaviors and empathy as they transition into young adulthood. This is particularly evident when compared to those who lack such support. This research originates from a recent study conducted by the University of California, Davis, focusing on Mexican-origin teenagers residing in the United States.
The study is part of an ongoing exploration into various generations of Mexican-origin families in the U.S., known as the California Families Project. This study represents the first attempt to investigate how both the physiological traits of adolescents and their social relationships converge to encourage their positive growth throughout their teenage years, according to the researchers.
Paul Hastings, a psychology professor and the lead author of the study, commented, “While it’s vital to focus on the issues faced by adolescents, we must also emphasize understanding what contributes to their flourishing and helps them become compassionate, caring adults.”
Hastings highlighted the significance of this research in the context of California, where over half of the children and adolescents identify as Latino or Latinx, and most of their families trace their roots back to Mexico. The participants were residing in Northern California during the study.
The findings indicated that support from family was a strong predictor of the teens’ compassionate and helpful behaviors towards those they were close to. Conversely, adolescents who had solid friendships were more inclined to participate in volunteer work and community service by the age of 19. Furthermore, those with physiological traits conducive to sensitivity showed greater levels of empathy, kindness, and helpfulness.
This research was published in the August issue of Developmental Psychology, a journal of the American Psychological Association.
Researchers studied 229 Mexican-origin adolescents from fifth grade onwards (ages 10 to 19), collecting data from 2006 to 2016. They evaluated the teens’ heart rate activity, their social interactions with family and friends, and numerous facets of their prosocial behaviors, including empathy, helpfulness, kindness, and civic engagement.
To gather this information, researchers conducted individual assessments using surveys, behavioral tasks, and physiological monitoring to evaluate the adolescents’ ability to handle their physiological responses. Between the ages of 10 and 16, the participants reported on the social support they received. At 17, their baseline respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) was measured, and their empathy and prosocial behaviors were assessed at ages 17 and 19.
The researchers noted, “The distinct advantage of having solid friendships became clear in emerging adults’ engagement in broader community-oriented prosocial activities.”
Hastings emphasized, “This finding indicates that feeling secure and connected is likely crucial for youths to prepare for engaging with the larger community.”
Other contributors to the paper are Jonas Miller (University of Connecticut), Davis G. Weissman (California State University Dominguez Hills), and Gustavo Carlo (UC Irvine), along with UC Davis team members Richard W. Robins (psychology), Amanda E. Guyer (human ecology), and Ryan T. Hodge (human development).
The research was funded by the National Institute of Mental Health and the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
