Psychology: Prosocial Behavior

Definition and Types of Prosocial Behavior

• Prosocial behavior: voluntary actions intended to benefit others, such as helping, sharing, and cooperating
• Altruism: prosocial behavior motivated by a desire to benefit others, without expecting rewards or recognition

Theories of Prosocial Behavior

• Empathy-Altruism Hypothesis: people help others because they empathize with their feelings and experience personal distress
• Social Exchange Theory: people help others because they expect rewards or reciprocity
• Kin Selection Theory: people help genetic relatives because it increases the chances of their genes being passed on

Factors Influencing Prosocial Behavior

• Empathy: the ability to understand and share others' feelings
• Mood: positive mood increases prosocial behavior, while negative mood decreases it
• Social norms: people are more likely to engage in prosocial behavior if they perceive it as a social norm
• Religion: religious beliefs and values can promote prosocial behavior

Benefits of Prosocial Behavior

• Increased well-being: engaging in prosocial behavior can increase feelings of happiness and life satisfaction
• Improved relationships: prosocial behavior can strengthen social bonds and build stronger relationships
• Better physical health: studies have found a link between prosocial behavior and improved physical health

Examples of Prosocial Behavior

• Volunteering: donating time and effort to help others, such as at a soup kitchen or animal shelter
• Donating to charity: giving money or goods to organizations that help others
• Helping others in need: assisting someone in distress, such as giving directions or lending a helping hand

Definition and Types of Prosocial Behavior

• Prosocial behavior refers to voluntary actions intended to benefit others, encompassing helping, sharing, and cooperating
• Altruism is a type of prosocial behavior motivated by a desire to benefit others without expectation of rewards or recognition

Theories of Prosocial Behavior

• Empathy-Altruism Hypothesis: people engage in prosocial behavior because they empathize with others' feelings and experience personal distress
• Social Exchange Theory: people help others because they anticipate rewards or reciprocity
• Kin Selection Theory: people help genetic relatives, increasing the chances of their genes being passed on

Factors Influencing Prosocial Behavior

• Empathy enables understanding and sharing of others' feelings, promoting prosocial behavior
• Positive mood increases prosocial behavior, while negative mood decreases it
• Social norms influence prosocial behavior, with people more likely to engage in it if they perceive it as a norm
• Religious beliefs and values can foster prosocial behavior

Benefits of Prosocial Behavior

• Engaging in prosocial behavior increases feelings of happiness and life satisfaction, leading to improved well-being
• Prosocial behavior strengthens social bonds and builds stronger relationships
• It has been linked to improved physical health

Examples of Prosocial Behavior

• Volunteering involves donating time and effort to help others, such as at a soup kitchen or animal shelter
• Donating to charity involves giving money or goods to organizations that help others
• Helping others in need involves assisting someone in distress, such as giving directions or lending a helping hand