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Personal Relative Deprivation Reduces the Meaningfulness of Engaging in Prosocial Behavior (7,756 Words)

Author

Listed:
  • Hong Zhang

    (Nanjing University)

  • Yongle Ding

    (Nanjing University)

  • Li Wei

    (Nanjing University)

  • Wenting Zhang

    (Nanjing University)

Abstract

Engaging in prosocial behavior promotes well-being. Yet, this effect may depend on many factors. We reported three studies (total N = 873) examined whether individuals higher on relative deprivation would experience lower meaning after prosocial engagement in samples of Chinese university students. Study 1 showed that although individuals who scored higher on a relative deprivation scale were more likely to engage in prosocical behavior, they reported lower levels of self-concordance of the behavior and lower post-behavior meaning in life. Studies 2 and 3 replicated these findings with experimentally-induced relative deprivation and different types of prosocial behavior, and also provided preliminary evidence on the mediating role of social connection in the relationship between relative deprivation and meaning of prosocial engagement. These findings have significant implications for our understanding of the heterogeneous impact of prosocial behavior on well-being, as well as the insidious consequences of relative deprivation.

Suggested Citation

  • Hong Zhang & Yongle Ding & Li Wei & Wenting Zhang, 2023. "Personal Relative Deprivation Reduces the Meaningfulness of Engaging in Prosocial Behavior (7,756 Words)," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 24(1), pages 35-56, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:24:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1007_s10902-022-00579-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-022-00579-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ana I. Balsa & Michael T. French & Tracy L. Regan, 2014. "Relative Deprivation and Risky Behaviors," Journal of Human Resources, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 49(2), pages 446-471.
    2. Armin Falk & Thomas Graeber, 2020. "Delayed negative effects of prosocial spending on happiness," Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, vol. 117(12), pages 6463-6468, March.
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    5. Lara B. Aknin & Elizabeth W. Dunn & Gillian M. Sandstrom & Michael I. Norton, 2013. "Does social connection turn good deeds into good feelings? On the value of putting the 'social' in prosocial spending," International Journal of Happiness and Development, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 1(2), pages 155-171.
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