Abstract
Do cynical individuals still engage in prosocial behaviors when they expect the worst from others? While prior research suggests cynical beliefs reduce empathy and trust-key drivers of prosociality-this pathway remains underexplored. We tested four structural equation models (manifest and latent) using data from 239 Romanian adults. Only the manifest model supported an indirect effect via empathic concern; latent models accounting for measurement error did not. This discrepancy highlights how item-level variance may inflate observed relationships. Theoretical and methodological implications are discussed considering the social axioms model and empathy-trust mechanisms in prosocial behavior.