Effect of self-compassion and gratitude towards prosocial behavior of junior high school students in Semarang city

Abstract

Self-compassion, gratitude, and prosocial behavior take a role as pivotal qualities that students should ideally foster. This study aims to provide empirical evidence on the effect of self-compassion and gratitude on prosocial behavior among junior high school students in Semarang City. The research employs an ex post facto method, involving a sample of 268 junior high school students from Semarang City. The data analysis was conducted using hierarchical regression techniques. The results indicate that self-compassion has a significant impact on prosocial behavior (R= 0.583, p < 0.01), and similarly, gratitude significantly influences students' prosocial behavior (R= 0.71, p < 0.01). Furthermore, self-compassion and gratitude together exert a combined influence on prosocial behavior (R = 0.65, p < 0.01). This study highlights the impact of self-compassion and gratitude on the prosocial behavior of junior high school students in Semarang City. This evidence base aims to inform school counselors and guidance educators, encouraging a proactive focus on fostering self-compassion and gratitude as a means to enhance students' prosocial behavior and address underlying developmental needs comprehensively.