Can left-behind experience promote prosocial behavior- Evidence from China family panel studies

The study examines the relationship between left-behind experience and prosocial behavior, as well as its underlying mechanism Using data from 2010 and 2018 from China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), we find that left-behind experience during early childhood (ages 0 to 3) can improve and promote personal donation behavior and the amount of donated money. The positive impact of left-behind experience during early childhood (ages 0 to 3) on prosocial behavior is through empathy and trust. First, left-behind experience during early childhood (ages 0 to 3) increases personal empathy and the tendency to feel compassion for others in need, consequently promoting prosocial behavior. Second, left-behind experience during early childhood (ages 0 to 3) increases trust in neighbors, townspeople, and relatives. The increase in trust promotes prosocial behavior. Apart from this, we find that the impact of the left-behind experience during middle childhood (ages 4 to 12) on prosocial behavior is unstable and small compared to the impact of the left-behind experience during early childhood (ages 0 to 3) on prosocial behavior. These findings underscore the significance of support in rural areas and trust in neighbors, townspeople, and relatives, thereby advancing the theory of the impact of the left-behind experience on prosocial behavior during adulthood.