International Journal of Research Studies in Psychology
2016 July, Volume 5 Number 3, 3-11
© The Author(s) / Attribution CC BY
Helping among kin vs. non-kin: The role of psychological
closeness
Ferolino, Austin
University of San Carlos, Philippines (aferolino@usc.edu.ph; austinferolino@hotmail.com)
Labaclado, Richie
University of San Carlos, Philippines (richielabaclado@gmail.com)
Received: 3 January 2016 Revised: 20 February 2016 Accepted: 26 February 2016
Available Online: 29 February 2016 DOI: 10.5861/ijrsp.2016.1409
ISSN: 2243-7681
Online ISSN: 2243-769X
OPEN ACCESS
Abstract
This study explored the patterns of helping directed to kin versus non-kin. The participants of
the study were 270 undergraduate students recruited from online and regular class periods.
Moderated regression analysis confirmed that psychological closeness moderates the
relationship between perceived kinship status and willingness to help. Specifically, the
relationship between closeness and helping increased for non-kin, but decreased for kin.
Results may imply that psychological closeness is an important determinant in helping a
non-kin, and less important in helping a kin.
Keywords: psychological closeness; moderation; willingness to help