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Can conflict lead to pro-social behavior and positive psychological growth?

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  • Shai, Ori

Abstract

This study examines the effect of conflict on pro-social behavior (e.g., volunteering). To this end, I exploit a panel dataset to track individuals who were in danger of physical injury during a military operation in Israel in 2014 before and after this event, against a control group that was not in danger. My results reveal that following the conflict, individuals who were in physical danger are more likely to behave pro-socially than those who were not. Exploring possible mechanisms, I find increased psychological growth (e.g., closer relations with others and greater appreciation of life) after the operation. Placebo analysis using the pre-conflict period reinforces my conclusions.

Suggested Citation

  • Shai, Ori, 2021. "Can conflict lead to pro-social behavior and positive psychological growth?," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 198(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolet:v:198:y:2021:i:c:s0165176520304444
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econlet.2020.109684
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Moya, Andrés, 2018. "Violence, psychological trauma, and risk attitudes: Evidence from victims of violence in Colombia," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 131(C), pages 15-27.
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    Cited by:

    1. Mironova, Vera & Whitt, Sam, 2021. "Conflict and parochialism among combatants and civilians: Evidence from Ukraine," Journal of Economic Psychology, Elsevier, vol. 86(C).
    2. Shai, Ori, 2022. "Out of time? The effect of an infrequent traumatic event on individuals’ time and risk preferences, beliefs, and insurance purchasing," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 86(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Pro-social behavior; Conflict; Psychological growth;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • D74 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances; Revolutions

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