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Mental Disorder, Altruism, and Empathy: Experimental Evidence from Middle School Students in Post-Earthquake Sichuan, China

Author

Listed:
  • Albert Park

    (Economic Research and Development Impact Department (ERDI), Asian Development Bank)

  • Yasuyuki Sawada

    (Faculty of Economics, The University of Tokyo)

  • Menghan Shen

    (School of Government, Sun Yatsen University)

  • Sangui Wang

    (China Institute of Poverty Alleviation, Renmin University of China)

  • Heng Wang

    (School of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Renmin University of China)

  • Ze Wang

    (The University of Tokyo)

Abstract

The paper examines the impact of having a mentally disordered peer on middle school students’ social preferences after the 2008 Sichuan earthquake in China. Using random classroom assignments, height-based seating arrangements, and lab-inthe-field experiments such as dictator and public goods games, the study has found that having a disabled peer significantly enhances altruistic behavior, driven largely by empathy among students with shared traumatic experiences. These findings highlight how peer effects in post-disaster contexts foster social cohesion and prosocial behaviors, reflecting a self-recovery mechanism inherent in human nature that may mitigate secondary trauma and improve welfare.

Suggested Citation

  • Albert Park & Yasuyuki Sawada & Menghan Shen & Sangui Wang & Heng Wang & Ze Wang, 2025. "Mental Disorder, Altruism, and Empathy: Experimental Evidence from Middle School Students in Post-Earthquake Sichuan, China," CIRJE F-Series CIRJE-F-1239, CIRJE, Faculty of Economics, University of Tokyo.
    • Handle: RePEc:tky:fseres:2025cf1239
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    References listed on IDEAS

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