Psychometric examination of the Prosocial Behavior Scale and its associations with antisocial variables among Portuguese youth

Prosocial behavior is altruistic conduct devoted to benefitting others, benefitting one's community, and reinforcing conventional behaviors that serve a public good. The aim of the present study is to examine the psychometric properties of the Prosocial Behavior Scale (PBS) among male and female Portuguese youth participants (N = 559 youth, M = 16.51 years, SD = 1.07, range = 14–20 years). A two-factor intercorrelated model obtained the best fits, and the fits of a second-order model were also acceptable. Internal consistency as measured by the alpha and omega reliability estimators was good. Significant associations were found with psychometric measures of relevant constructs (e.g. self-control, psychopathic traits, criminogenic cognitions), and external criterion-related variables (e.g. engaging in illegal activities, alcohol and drug abuse). Cross-gender measurement invariance was established, with females scoring significantly higher than males on the PBS and its factors. Our findings support the use of the PBS as a valid and reliable measure of prosociality.