Is a prosocial personality a reliable predictor of philanthropic behaviour?
Authors
Mullarkey, Catherine
Issue Date
2022
Degree
Higher Diploma in Psychology
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
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Abstract
This mixed design study aimed to investigate if a prosocial personality and its underlying constructs; social responsibility, empathetic concern, moral reasoning and altruism, and gender, correlated with actual philanthropic behaviour. Participants were randomly recruited (N=97). Philanthropic behaviour was measured in terms of hours volunteered and financial donations made. Correlation analysis, using Spearman’s rho found a small correlation between a prosocial personality and hours volunteered. A medium correlation was found between past helpfulness and both hours volunteered, and donations made. A qualitative thematic analysis was conducted according to Braun & Clarke (2006, 2019) on the responses to two questions; What does philanthropy mean to you? and what are the key factors that influence your philanthropic engagement? The following themes were identified Q1; giving, strategic impact and altruism and Q2; Intrinsic value, empathy, influence change, resources, and cause. In conclusion the determinants of philanthropy are multifaceted and are not solely determined by prosocial traits.