Dispositional envy inhibits prosocial behavior in adolescents with high self-esteem

Previous studies demonstrate that dispositional envy leads to unethical behavior in adults. The present study aimed to further examine whether dispositional envy was negatively associated with prosocial behavior and whether self-esteem moderated this association in earlier developmental stages, namely, adolescence. A total of 358 adolescents between 12 and 15 years old completed the Prosocial Tendencies Measure, Dispositional Envy Scale and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. The results showed that in general, dispositional envy negatively predicted prosocial behavior in adolescence. Moreover, the relationship between dispositional envy and prosocial behavior was moderated by self-esteem. Dispositional envy negatively predicted prosocial behavior in adolescents with high self-esteem rather than in those with low self-esteem. Thus, the present study indicates that dispositional envy may inhibit prosocial behavior and that high self-esteem may strengthen the negative role of dispositional envy in prosocial behavior in adolescents.