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The Bright Side of the Human Personality: Evidence of a Measure of Prosocial Traits

Author

Listed:
  • Valdiney V. Gouveia

    (Federal University of Paraíba)

  • Isabel Cristina Vasconcelos de Oliveira

    (Federal University of Paraíba)

  • Alex Sandro de Moura Grangeiro

    (Federal University of Ceará)

  • Renan Pereira Monteiro

    (Federal University of Mato Grosso)

  • Gabriel Lins de Holanda Coelho

    (Federal University of Paraíba
    University College Cork)

Abstract

The present article aimed to elaborate the Prosocial Personality Inventory (PSPI+), gathering evidence of its validity (factorial and criterion) and reliability. Six traits were hypothesized, grouped into three first-order factors: altruism (beneficence and egotism), forgiveness (remission and incrimination), and gratitude (recognition and inexpressiveness). Two studies were carried out (n = 1033). This factor structure was identified in Study 1 and confirmed in Study 2. Overall, all factors presented Cronbach’s alpha of .70 or higher. Systematically, positive and negative aspects of prosocial traits were correlated with agreeableness and dark traits. Moreover, such bright traits were positively correlated with self-reported pro-social behavior. In conclusion, the PSPI+ is a short, theoretically and psychometrically sounds instrument for measuring prosocial personality (altruism, forgiveness, and gratitude), useful for studies focusing on correlates of bright personality (e.g., well-being, voluntarism).

Suggested Citation

  • Valdiney V. Gouveia & Isabel Cristina Vasconcelos de Oliveira & Alex Sandro de Moura Grangeiro & Renan Pereira Monteiro & Gabriel Lins de Holanda Coelho, 2021. "The Bright Side of the Human Personality: Evidence of a Measure of Prosocial Traits," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 22(3), pages 1459-1480, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:22:y:2021:i:3:d:10.1007_s10902-020-00280-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-020-00280-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Otto, Philipp E. & Bolle, Friedel, 2011. "Multiple facets of altruism and their influence on blood donation," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 40(5), pages 558-563.
    2. Adrian Furnham & Luke Treglown & Gillian Hyde & Geoff Trickey, 2016. "The Bright and Dark Side of Altruism: Demographic, Personality Traits, and Disorders Associated with Altruism," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 134(3), pages 359-368, March.
    3. Gino, Francesca & Ayal, Shahar & Ariely, Dan, 2013. "Self-serving altruism? The lure of unethical actions that benefit others," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 93(C), pages 285-292.
    4. Maria Christina Meyers & Marianne Woerkom, 2017. "Effects of a Strengths Intervention on General and Work-Related Well-Being: The Mediating Role of Positive Affect," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 18(3), pages 671-689, June.
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