Exploring the relationship between abstract mindedness, self-regulation and prosocial behaviour

Previous research has established abstract mindedness as one of the various factors which encourage prosocial behaviour in individuals. This study explored the relationship between abstract mindedness (vs. concrete mindedness) and prosocial behaviour, specifically studying self- regulation as an intervening variable for this relationship among 160 undergraduates (M-age = 22.24 years). It was hypothesized that self- regulation would mediate the relationship between mindset condition (abstract vs. concrete) and prosocial behaviour. Participants completed a series of mindset activation tasks, a self- regulation measure and a prosocial behaviour measure. The results revealed that as compared to concrete mindedness, abstract mindedness resulted in significantly greater prosocial behaviour in participants. However, self- regulation did not appear to mediate the relationship between mindset condition and prosocial behaviour; therefore, rejecting the intervening role of self- regulation in this relationship. The present findings reaffirm that abstract mindedness enhances prosocial behaviour and highlight the need for future research to further examine the underlying constructs of this relationship.