Perceived financial threats and prosocial behavior in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

The coronavirus pandemic caused many deaths and sick people, affected day-to-day life, slowed down the global economy, and is responsible for a myriad of other consequences. Therefore, the pandemic resulted in added pressures to both personal and work life for everybody. Given these uncertain times, individuals can perceive economic strains as threats, mostly depending on the individual financial situation. Assuming that, this dissertation intends to investigate the impact of perceived financial threats on individuals’ prosocial behavior. It is proposed that individuals perceiving financial threats act more prosocially. Moreover, it is suggested that individuals with higher empathic concern act in a more prosocial manner, being empathic concern a mediator between perceived financial threats and prosocial behavior. Further, it is proposed that individuals with higher empathic concern tend to act more prosocially. Using data from an independently conducted online survey, results supported that individuals perceiving financial threats act more prosocially. Further, results revealed that individuals with higher empathic concern act more prosocially in comparison to those with lower empathic concern. However, the study did not confirm that empathic concern acts as a mediator. Thereby, this dissertation makes a contribution to a more profound understanding of individuals’ prosocial behavior during a pandemic.

Date of Award	26 Apr 2021
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Filipa de Almeida (Supervisor)