Gender Identity and Guilt-Shame Proneness as Predictors of Prosocial Behavior in Young Adults

Abstract

The study investigated the relationship among masculinity, femininity, guilt-shame proneness and prosocial behavior in Indian young adults. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data was collected from 100 participants (41 males, 59 females) through convenience sampling. The measures used for the study were the Indian Gender Role Identity Scale (IGRIS), Adult Prosocialness Scale (APS) and Guilt and Shame Proneness Scale (GASP). Pearson’s correlational analysis, linear regression analysis and independent t-test were used to analyze the data. Results showed that masculinity and femininity significantly predicted prosocial behavior (16% and 27% variance, respectively). Females scored higher on the prosocialness and guilt-shame proneness scale than males. Femininity was found to be positively associated with guilt-shame proneness. However, it was noted that guilt-shame proneness has no relationship with masculinity and prosocial behavior. The study challenges the stereotypical notions and previous research findings. The current findings hold implications for tailoring interventions and educational curriculum to enhance prosocial behavior and support a more guilt-shame prone population. Future research should use large representative samples to understand the complex relationship among the variables further.