Investigating the role of adversity and benevolence beliefs in predicting prosociality.

BACKGROUND: Does experiencing adversity engender kindness, and if so, for whom? Two studies tested the hypothesis that adversity predicts increased pro-social outcomes, and that this relationship is strongest for individuals who view others as good and trustworthy, or benevolent. METHOD: In Study 1, a cross-sectional survey design was utilized, and in Study 2 a longitudinal survey was conducted. RESULTS: In Study 1 (N = 359), the number of lifetime adverse life events was associated with increased volunteering, empathic concern, and self-reported altruism. The association of adversity and altruism was stronger for those with greater benevolence beliefs. In Study 2 (N = 1157), benevolence beliefs were assessed, and in subsequent years, adverse life events were reported. The number of past-year adverse life events predicted more volunteering and charitable involvement, but only among people with high benevolence beliefs. CONCLUSION: Exposure to adversity may be associated with increased pro-social behavior among those with higher benevolence beliefs. In part, this could be due to benevolence beliefs increasing the expectation that one's efforts will be appreciated and reciprocated.

Farmer willingness to implement constructed wetlands in the Western Lake Erie Basin.

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) remain a persistent issue that threatens both the physical and economic health of the Western Lake Erie basin (WLEB). Edge-of-field conservation practices are recommended to help manage agricultural runoff and reach phosphorus reduction targets in freshwater systems like the Great Lakes (in the USA). Constructed wetlands (CWs) are a specific edge-of-field practice that could prove critical to these efforts. While we know less about why wetlands are installed or implemented than many other private lands conservation practices, prior research does indicate that offsetting the costs of land taken out of production, or targeting land that is not suitable for production will be critical. Our research builds on these findings by assessing how the perceived productivity of the land moderates the relationship between other potential motivating factors and willingness to install wetlands. We also assess how these critical motivations may vary by the conservation-mindedness of the farmer. Our results indicate that the decision to install a constructed wetland is not entirely dependent on the productivity of the land. Associated beneficial functions (e.g., aesthetics, hunting opportunities) positively influence willingness, even on productive land for those farmers who value conservation. We suggest that program providers emphasize the diverse benefits of constructed wetlands, and target farmers who exhibit stronger conservation identities as they may be more likely to consider wetlands regardless of the productivity of their land.