The Association Between Prosocial Behavior and Mental Health: A Three‐Level Meta‐Analysis

ABSTRACT Introduction Although numerous studies have reported a significant association between prosocial behavior and mental health, other studies have indicated a weak or non‐significant, and in some cases even negative link. Method To clarify these inconsistencies, the present study employed a three‐level meta‐analytic approach to examine the overall association between prosocial behavior and mental health, as well as the moderating effects of various demographic and methodological variables. Results A comprehensive literature search yielded 366 effect sizes ( N = 222,866) that were included in the meta‐analysis. The main effect revealed a significant positive correlation ( r = 0.26, p < 0.001) between prosocial behavior and mental health. Further moderator analyses indicated that this relationship was moderated by culture ( F (1, 362) = 16.16, p < 0.001), mental health indicators (i.e., positive vs. negative indicators of mental health; F (1, 364) = 60.86, p < 0.001), mental health measurement tools ( F (7, 358) = 2.52, p = 0.015), and research design (i.e., cross‐sectional vs. longitudinal studies; F (1, 364) = 21.06, p < 0.001). Conclusions Overall, the findings highlight the positive association between prosocial behavior and mental health and underscore the importance of considering prosocial behavior in efforts aimed at supporting psychological well‐being.