The mediating role of empathy, prosocial and aggressive behavior in depression and anxiety

The current study aims to examine the mediating role of prosocial behavior with empathy and aggressive behavior in depression and anxiety. Participants are 937 Spanish adolescents, 48% girls and 54% boys, aged between 15 and 16 years old ( M = 15.32; SD = .47), with medium to medium-low income levels. The structural equation modeling shows that aggressiveness has a direct positive influence on depression. On the contrary, prosocial behavior has a direct and negative influence. That is, prosocial behavior protects adolescents from depression. Emotional instability has a direct relationship with depression and anxiety. Finally, results and their possible implications arc discussed.