Examining the Relationship Between Caregiver Acceptance and Children’s Prosocial Behavior with Multiple Dimensions of Sleep as Moderators

Abstract

This study explored how sleep might influence the relationship between caregiver acceptance and prosocial behavior in early adolescence. Using a diverse sample and objective sleep data, the study first tested whether sleep changed the strength of this relationship. Results did not support moderation, meaning caregiver acceptance was associated with greater prosocial behavior regardless of how well adolescents slept. However, several sleep variables did serve as partial mediators. Longer sleep duration, earlier bedtimes, and more consistent sleep schedules helped explain how caregiver acceptance was associated with higher prosocial behavior. These indirect effects remained significant or marginally significant after accounting for factors like sex, puberty, and family income. In contrast, sleep quality measures such as efficiency and latency were not related to prosocial behavior and did not serve as mediators. Overall, the findings suggest that supportive caregiving may help adolescents develop healthier sleep patterns, which in turn promote kindness, empathy, and cooperation. Interventions that focus on both emotional support and sleep routines may be especially effective in encouraging positive social development.