This study investigates the relationship between empathy and prosocial behavior among vocational school students, aiming to elucidate the dynamics underlying their empathetic tendencies and their impact on prosocial acts. The research utilized a quantitative correlation design, with a sample of 241 students from SMK Antarctica 1 Sidoarjo, selected through Quota Sampling. Empathy and prosocial behavior were measured using psychological scales. Data analysis employing Pearson's product moment correlation revealed a significant positive association between empathy and prosocial behavior (rxy = 0.236, p < 0.005), indicating that higher levels of empathy correspond to greater engagement in prosocial behaviors. The findings emphasize the importance of fostering empathy to cultivate a culture of altruism among students, providing valuable implications for educational programs and interventions aimed at promoting prosocial behavior in diverse contexts.
Highlights:Positive relationship: The study demonstrates a significant positive association between empathy and prosocial behavior among vocational school students. (rxy = 0.236, p < 0.005)
Importance of empathy: The findings highlight the crucial role of empathy in promoting prosocial behavior, emphasizing the need to cultivate empathetic tendencies among students.
Implications for education: The results offer valuable insights for educational interventions, suggesting the integration of empathy-building strategies to foster a culture of altruism and enhance prosocial behaviors among students.