A study of the personality differences between altruistic and non-altruistic adolescents

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the personality differences between altruistic and nonaltruistic adolescents. A secondary purpose was to compare the two measures employed in assessing altruism, and to determine whether or not altruistic behavior differed as a function of sex and socio-economic groups. One hundred eighty junior high school students were subjects for the experiment. Each subject was administered an author adapted version of the Mf 3 Scale from the MMPI (Minnesota Multaphasic Personality Inventory), made a voluntary monetary contribution to the March of Dimes, and was then administered the Junior Senior High School Personality Questionnaire. A small but significant correlation was found between the adapted Mf 3 Scale and the March of Dimes donation, and significant personality variables were found to differentiate altruistic from non-altruistic adolescents. No differences were found in altruistic behavior as a function of sex and socio-economic status. Recommendations were made for further research, and research findings were discussed with their implications for education, counseling, and the identification of potentially helpful people.