The Relationship Between Peer Victimization and Prosocial Behavior in Adolescents: The Chain Mediating Role of Empathy and Psychological Capital

Adolescence is a period of high incidence of bullying and peer victimization in schools. However, previous research has focused on peer victimization as a risk factor for multiple behavioral problems in adolescents; there is limited understanding of how peer victimization impacts prosocial behavior. Therefore, this study investigated the link between peer victimization and prosocial behavior among Chinese adolescents, including the possible mediating effects of empathy and psychological capital. This cross-sectional study involved 1,512 Chinese adolescents ( M age = 14.59 years, SD = 1.14, female = 758) who completed a self-reported questionnaire. Peer victimization was assessed using the Chinese version of the Multidimensional Peer Victimization Scale. Empathy was measured through the Chinese Interpersonal Reactivity Index. Psychological capital was assessed using the Chinese version of the Psychological Capital Questionnaire, and prosocial behavior was evaluated using the Prosocial Behavior Scale for Adolescents. The results indicated that peer victimization was significantly and negatively associated with adolescent prosocial behavior. Empathy and psychological capital mediated the relationship between peer victimization and adolescent prosocial behavior: first, the separate mediating role of empathy and psychological capital; second, the chain mediating role of empathy and psychological capital. These findings underscore the critical role of empathy and psychological capital in the association between peer victimization and prosocial behavior, and provide valuable insights into the promotion of adolescents’ prosocial behavior.