Fig 1. Summary of conducted analyses.

Primary analyses (A) were based on the optimal set of environmental, mental health and temperament variables selected through LASSO for each empathetic outcome, separately at baseline and follow-up. Primary analyses (B) investigated the relationship between empathetic behaviors and emotions at the two assessment points and its moderation by changes in environmental, mental health and temperament factors. Additional analyses focused specifically on mental health (particularly anxiety and depression) and correlations with empathetic behaviors/emotions and temperament. The latter’s moderating effect on the relationship between anxiety and depression and empathetic behaviors/emotions was also assessed. Separate analyses were conducted for baseline and follow-up.