THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PROSOCIAL BEHAVIOR AND EMPATHY AMONG ADOLESCENTS RAISED IN MIGRANT FAMILIES

Abstract

This article examines the socio-psychological aspects of the relationship between prosocial behavior and empathy among adolescents raised in migrant families. In the context of globalization and increasing migration processes, the long-term absence of parents due to labor migration significantly affects adolescents’ personal development, emotional well-being, and social relationships. Empathy is considered a key psychological factor underlying prosocial behavior, facilitating the understanding of others’ emotional states, the expression of compassion, and the development of socially oriented behavioral patterns. Based on the analysis of scientific literature, the study explores the influence of family relationships, emotional closeness, communicative experience, and socialization processes on the development of prosocial behavior among adolescents from migrant families. The findings indicate that adolescents with higher levels of empathy are more likely to demonstrate helping behavior, cooperation, compassion, and social responsibility. Conversely, a lack of emotional support, prolonged separation from parents, and weakened family bonds may negatively affect the development of empathy and prosocial behavior. The article also discusses psychological and pedagogical opportunities for fostering empathy and prosocial behavior among adolescents from migrant families and provides scientific and practical recommendations for improving family upbringing, educational environments, and psychological support services. The findings contribute to enhancing adolescents’ social adaptation and optimizing interpersonal relationships.