How Social Support Can Influence Pro-Social Neighbourly Acts, Across Ages

Abstract

As the Netherlands increasingly emphasizes citizen participation, it becomes more crucial to study pro-social behaviour. By specifically focusing on what stimulates pro-social behaviour towards neighbours, these insights can be utilized to make sure residents can rely on each other more and the burden of municipalities can be reduced to an extent. This study explores the link between perceived social support and pro-social behaviour towards neighbours, moderated by age. The theoretical underpinnings draw from Social Capital Theory and Socioemotional Selectivity Theory. Using data from the LISS Panel (2017), the results reveal a positive effect of the main relationship. However, the effect varies across age groups. Specifically, socially supported young individuals exhibit a decline in pro-social behaviour towards neighbours, while socially supported older individuals show an increase. Policy recommendations include strengthening social support networks for older individuals and raising awareness among younger cohorts about the value of social support to enhance their pro-social behaviour when socially supported.