The proliferation of internet usage among adolescents raises concerns about their online behavior. While research on negative online behaviors is prevalent, understanding positive online behaviors, such as online prosocial behavior (OPB), remains crucial. OPB, defined as voluntary online actions benefiting others, contributes to positive online environments and individual well-being. This study focuses on the influence of family communication patterns on OPB, hypothesizing that family environment significantly impacts adolescents' online prosocial behaviors. Family communication patterns, as described by the Family Communication Patterns theory (FCP), encompass two dimensions: Conversation Orientation (CV) and Conformity Orientation (CF). CV emphasizes open communication and discussion, while CF prioritizes adherence to family rules and norms. This study posits that family communication patterns influence OPB both directly and indirectly, through the mediating role of self-efficacy (SE). Furthermore, the study incorporates the moderating role of emotion regulation strategies, namely cognitive reappraisal (CR) and expressive suppression (ES), to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between family dynamics, individual characteristics, and online prosocial behavior.

Existing literature highlights the influence of both environmental and individual factors on prosocial behavior. Family environment plays a significant role in shaping adolescent self-efficacy and values. Social Cognitive Theory emphasizes self-efficacy's influence on individuals' belief in their ability to execute actions leading to desired outcomes. Research indicates that high self-efficacy is associated with increased prosocial behavior. Family Communication Patterns (FCP) theory suggests that conversation orientation (CV) fosters open communication and positive family relationships, potentially promoting higher self-efficacy and prosocial behavior. Conversely, conformity orientation (CF) which emphasizes obedience and conformity, might negatively affect self-efficacy and prosocial behavior. Emotion regulation strategies, particularly cognitive reappraisal (CR) and expressive suppression (ES), have also been linked to both self-efficacy and prosocial behavior. CR involves reinterpreting situations to manage emotions constructively, while ES involves suppressing emotional expression. This study builds upon these theoretical frameworks to investigate the interconnectedness of family communication, self-efficacy, emotion regulation, and online prosocial behavior in adolescents.

This study employed a quantitative methodology, utilizing a questionnaire survey to collect data from 1183 adolescents (52.2% male, 47.8% female; aged 12–20, mean age approximately 15) across 12 schools in three Chinese cities (Nanjing, Zhengzhou, and Xi'an). A stratified cluster sampling technique was used to select participants from different socioeconomic backgrounds and school types. The questionnaire measured several constructs: * **Independent Variables:** Family communication patterns (Conversation Orientation and Conformity Orientation), measured using Fitzpatrick and Ritchie's (1994) Family Communication Patterns Instrument. * **Mediating Variable:** Self-efficacy, measured using a scale adapted from Kleppang et al. (2023). * **Moderating Variables:** Emotion regulation strategies (Cognitive Reappraisal and Expressive Suppression), measured using Gross and John's (2003) Emotional Regulation Strategies Scale. * **Dependent Variable:** Adolescents' online prosocial behavior, measured using a scale adapted from Guo et al. (2018). Data analysis was conducted using SmartPLS 4 to perform Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). This technique was chosen for its suitability for analyzing complex models with both reflective and formative indicators, handling potential non-normality in the data, and its ability to assess mediation and moderation effects. Measurement model assessment included evaluating indicator reliability (Cronbach's alpha, rho A, composite reliability), convergent validity (Average Variance Extracted), and discriminant validity (Fornell-Larcker criterion and heterotrait-monotrait ratio). Harman's single-factor test was used to assess common method bias. The structural model was evaluated using path coefficients, R², Q², and GoF. Bootstrapping was employed to test mediation effects.

The results supported most of the hypotheses: 1. **Self-efficacy (SE) positively predicted online prosocial behavior (OB).** Higher SE scores were associated with higher levels of OB (β = 0.367, p < 0.001). 2. **Conversation orientation (CV) positively predicted SE and OB.** Higher CV scores were associated with higher SE (β = 0.403, p < 0.001) and OB (β = 0.235, p < 0.001). 3. **Conformity orientation (CF) negatively predicted SE and OB.** Higher CF scores were associated with lower SE (β = -0.366, p < 0.001) and OB (β = -0.190, p < 0.001). 4. **SE partially mediated the relationship between CV and OB (VAF = 0.386) and between CF and OB (VAF = 0.350).** 5. **Cognitive reappraisal (CR) positively moderated the relationship between CV and both SE and OB.** Higher CR scores enhanced the positive effects of CV on SE and OB. 6. **Expressive suppression (ES) negatively moderated the relationship between CV and both SE and OB.** Higher ES scores diminished the positive effects of CV on SE and OB. 7. **CR positively moderated the relationship between CF and SE**, mitigating the negative effect of CF on SE. 8. **ES positively moderated the relationship between CF and both SE and OB.** Higher ES scores amplified the negative effect of CF on SE and OB. The R² values for OB and SE were 0.604 and 0.573, respectively, indicating a strong explanatory power of the model. The Q² values were 0.377 and 0.386, demonstrating good predictive relevance. The overall GoF was 0.561, indicating a good model fit.

The findings highlight the significant influence of family communication patterns on adolescent online prosocial behavior, both directly and indirectly through self-efficacy. Conversation orientation, fostering open communication and emotional support, positively impacts self-efficacy, leading to increased engagement in online prosocial behaviors. Conversely, conformity orientation, emphasizing obedience and control, negatively impacts self-efficacy and reduces online prosocial behavior. The mediating role of self-efficacy underscores the importance of fostering adolescents' belief in their capabilities to engage in prosocial actions. The moderating effects of cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression emphasize the importance of emotional regulation skills in shaping adolescents' behavior. Cognitive reappraisal empowers adolescents to constructively manage their emotions, while expressive suppression hinders their ability to express and engage in prosocial activities. These findings have implications for family education and interventions aimed at promoting positive online behaviors in adolescents.

This study contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive model examining the interplay between family communication patterns, self-efficacy, emotion regulation, and adolescent online prosocial behavior. The findings highlight the crucial roles of open family communication, self-efficacy, and adaptive emotion regulation strategies. Future research could explore cultural variations, longitudinal effects, and the specific types of online prosocial behaviors. Intervention programs focused on enhancing family communication, self-efficacy, and cognitive reappraisal could be developed to promote positive online behaviors among adolescents.

The study's limitations include the geographically restricted sample, potentially limiting the generalizability of findings. The reliance on self-reported data may introduce response bias, and future research could benefit from incorporating objective measures. Furthermore, the cross-sectional nature of the study limits causal inferences, and longitudinal studies are recommended to fully understand the dynamic relationships between the variables.