The Influence of National Identity on Prosocial Behavior: The Mediating and Moderating Role of Subjective Perceptions of COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The prosocial behavior plays an important role in the containing of COVID-19 pandemic. The factors that could impact prosocial behavior and its facilitation mechanisms need further investigation. In this study, the effects of individuals' national identity and subjective perceptions of the COVID-19 pandemic on prosocial behavior were explored. From February to March 2020, 256 questionnaires were obtained. The national identity, prosocial behavior, and perceptions of the degrees of severity, scarcity of resources, controllability, and familiarity of the pandemic were measured. It is found that the prosocial behavior increases with national identity. The perception of the degree of severity of the pandemic plays a moderating role in the relationship between the national identity and prosocial behavior. To the ingroup prosocial behavior, there is no significant interaction between the national identity and the degree of perceived severity. Nevertheless, the outgroup prosocial behavior was more impacted by national identity when the perception of the degree of severity was relatively low. Additionally, the perception of the degree of controllability plays a mediating role in the relationship between the national identity and prosocial behavior (especially to the outgroup). In conclusion, the national identity and subjective perceptions of the COVID-19 epidemic affect the prosocial behavior, but with different impact mechanisms on ingroup and outgroup members. To accomplish the great success in combating the COVID-19 pandemic by promoting prosocial behavior, the society, government, and individuals should facilitate the national identity and advance the understanding of the epidemic.