A longitudinal study of dispositional compassion in Syrian origin young adults resettling in the Netherlands

O.M. Laceulle, J.E. Stellar, A. Kinan, A. Eva, A.S. Zeina, M. Laurien, N. Moopen, G.T.M. Mooren, I. Ozoruc, H.F. Rahim, D. Tasfiliz, R. Zonneveld, J.M. Chung

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Background: Dispositional compassion is regarded as a facet of Agreeableness, an emotional driver of prosociality, and a primary marker of adjustment. We examined changes in dispositional compassion in Syrian young adults resettling in the Netherlands, as well as the role of migration-related and demographic variables in this change.

Methods: We analyzed data from a 4-wave (T1-T4), 13-month longitudinal study (N = 168; T1 Mage = 28.1 years, 70% male) using Latent Growth Curve Modelling (LGCM) in Mplus.

Results: Bivariate correlations indicated moderate test-retest correlations across the four waves of dispositional compassion and several correlations with the migration-related and demographic variables. A LGCM indicated a high initial level and small linear decrease in compassion over the four waves. Except for a link between pre-migration adversity and the intercept, the migration-related and demographic variables were not related to either the intercept of the slope of dispositional compassion.

Conclusion: Results suggest that high levels of dispositional compassion may be common for Syrian young adults with refugee backgrounds, but on average, slowly decreases over time. The cross-sectional associations between migration-related and demographic variables and dispositional compassion in the absence of a prospective one emphasize the importance of longitudinal research for understanding trajectories of adjustment.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)543-558
JournalEuropean Journal of Personality
Volume36
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2022

Keywords

  • positive personality change
  • dispositional compassion
  • refugee
  • longitudinal
  • migration

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