BackgroundDoes experiencing adversity engender kindness, and if so, for whom? Two studies tested the hypothesis that adversity predicts increased pro‐social outcomes, and that this relationship is strongest for individuals who view others as good and trustworthy, or benevolent.MethodIn Study 1, a cross‐sectional survey design was utilized, and in Study 2 a longitudinal survey was conducted.ResultsIn Study 1 (N = 359), the number of lifetime adverse life events was associated with increased volunteering, empathic concern, and self‐reported altruism. The association of adversity and altruism was stronger for those with greater benevolence beliefs. In Study 2 (N = 1157), benevolence beliefs were assessed, and in subsequent years, adverse life events were reported. The number of past‐year adverse life events predicted more volunteering and charitable involvement, but only among people with high benevolence beliefs.ConclusionExposure to adversity may be associated with increased pro‐social behavior among those with higher benevolence beliefs. In part, this could be due to benevolence beliefs increasing the expectation that one's efforts will be appreciated and reciprocated.

中文翻译：

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研究逆境和仁慈信念在预测亲社会性中的作用


背景经历逆境是否会产生善意？如果会，会为谁带来善意？两项研究检验了这一假设，即逆境预示着亲社会结果的增加，并且这种关系对于那些认为他人善良且值得信赖的人来说最为强烈，或者仁慈.方法在研究1中，采用了横断面调查设计，在研究2中进行了纵向调查。结果在研究1中（氮= 359），一生中不良生活事件的数量与志愿服务、同理心关注和自我报告的利他主义的增加有关。对于那些具有更大仁慈信念的人来说，逆境和利他主义的联系更紧密。在研究 2 中（氮= 1157），对仁慈信念进行了评估，并在随后的几年中报告了不良生活事件。过去一年不良生活事件的数量预示着更多的志愿服务和慈善参与，但仅限于具有较高仁慈信念的人。 结论 在具有较高仁慈信念的人中，暴露于逆境可能与亲社会行为的增加有关。在某种程度上，这可能是由于仁慈信念增加了人们对自己的努力会得到赞赏和回报的期望。