The cost of giving: Examining the relationship between narcissistic, self-sacrificing, and empathetic traits on effortful versus effortless prosocial behavior

The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine whether specific personality traits differentially predict willingness to engage in altruistic prosocial behavior in the presence or absence of an effort cost. The study focused on narcissism, empathy, and self-sacrificing tendencies. Effortless prosocial behavior was measured using the Dictator Game, and effortful prosocial behavior was measured using the 'pay-it-forward' Effort Expenditure for Rewards Task (EEfRT). Narcissism was not associated with either effortful or effortless prosocial behavior. Empathy and self-sacrificing behavior influenced prosocial behavior differently depending on effort demands. High self-sacrificing tendencies predicted greater effortless prosocial behavior but less effortful prosocial behavior for an unknown recipient. In contrast, empathy was associated with increased effortful prosocial behavior.