Author(s): Pechorro, Pedro ; Pereira, Solange ; Nunes, Cristina ; DeLisi, Matt ; Simões, Mário R.
Date: 2025
Persistent ID: http://hdl.handle.net/10400.1/27778
Origin: Sapientia - Universidade do Algarve
Subject(s): Assessment; Measurement invariance; Prosocial; Validation
Prosocial behavior is altruistic conduct devoted to benefitting others, benefitting one’s community, and reinforcing conventional behaviors that serve a public good. The aim of the present study is to examine the psychometric properties of the Prosocial Behavior Scale (PBS) among male and female Portuguese youth participants (N = 559 youth, M = 16.51 years, SD = 1.07, range = 14–20 years). A two-factor intercorrelated model obtained the best fits, and the fits of a second-order model were also acceptable. Internal consistency as measured by the alpha and omega reliability estimators was good. Significant associations were found with psychometric measures of relevant constructs (e.g. self-control, psychopathic traits, criminogenic cognitions), and external criterion-related variables (e.g. engaging in illegal activities, alcohol and drug abuse). Cross-gender measurement invariance was established, with females scoring significantly higher than males on the PBS and its factors. Our findings support the use of the PBS as a valid and reliable measure of prosociality.
