24 Questions
What can cultivating positive emotions lead to?
A greater sense of gratitude and a higher likelihood of helping others
What is an example of prosocial behavior that involves emotional support?
Giving compliments when someone needs a boost to their self-esteem
Which of the following is an example of a social norm?
Saying goodbye when someone leaves
What is a possible reason for the bystander effect?
Lack of knowledge on what to do or assuming someone else has already called the police
What is the primary driver of human behavior, emotion, and cognition according to the Need to Belong theory?
The need to form and maintain social relationships
What can result from excluded people, according to the Need to Belong theory?
More aggressive, non-cooperative, and disruptive behaviors
Which of the following is NOT an individual factor that affects prosocial behaviors?
Age
What is the bystander effect?
When many people are present but don't help someone in need
What motivates people to engage in prosocial behaviors according to the content?
Recognition for their positive behaviors
Why do people often fail to help in a situation where many others are present?
They don't see it as an emergency
What is the purpose of helper therapy in some communities?
To treat a variety of mental health conditions
What is the 'helper's high'?
A feeling of increased positive emotions and reduced stress after helping others
Which of the following is a consequence of the bystander effect?
Murder cases with many bystanders and witnesses, but no one intervenes
What is an example of obeying society's rules?
Filing your tax return
What is a characteristic of empathy in prosocial behavior?
Listening actively and empathetically
What do social scientists want to answer about prosocial behaviors in children?
Why prosocial behaviors develop early in life
What is the focus of the Self-Categorization Theory (SCT)?
How people perceive themselves as members of groups and its repercussions
What is an example of complying with social norms and conventions?
Saying goodbye when someone leaves
According to the Need to Belong theory, what can people do to feel included in society?
Engage in prosocial behaviors and follow social norms
What is an example of a toxic workplace scenario where the bystander effect may occur?
Employees doing little to help those who are being abused or harassed
What can a therapist support you in practicing?
Prosocial behaviors and exploring motivations
What is a factor that influences prosocial behavior?
All of the above
Why might people want to engage in prosocial behaviors?
To gain social status
What do parents' behaviors influence in their children?
What they learn about prosocial behaviors
Study Notes
Prosocial Behaviors
- Examples of prosocial behaviors include:
- Listening actively and empathetically to someone in need
- Offering a hug or comfort when someone is sad or upset
- Being available to talk to someone who is lonely
- Giving compliments to boost someone's self-esteem
- Encouraging someone who feels like giving up
Obeying Society's Rules
- Following rules and norms benefits both the individual and society as a whole
- Examples of rules to follow include:
- Stopping at a stoplight
- Filing tax returns
- Paying for goods instead of shoplifting
Complying with Social Norms and Conventions
- Social norms and conventions include:
- Tipping a server at a restaurant
- Greeting people when they arrive and saying goodbye when they leave
- Returning favors
- Using good etiquette (e.g. table manners, saying please and thank you)
The Psychology of Prosocial Behavior
- Factors that influence prosocial behavior include:
- Situational factors (e.g. the bystander effect)
- Individual factors (e.g. upbringing, cognitive abilities, standards and ideals)
The Bystander Effect
- The bystander effect refers to the phenomenon where individuals are less likely to help in an emergency situation when they are in a group
- Reasons for this behavior include:
- Not seeing it as an emergency
- Not feeling responsible because others are present
- Lack of skills to help properly
- Undecided about what to do
Individual Factors
- Individual factors that affect prosocial behavior include:
- Upbringing and learning about prosocial behaviors as a child
- Cognitive, physical, and social capabilities
- Standards and ideals
- Practicing empathy in communication
- Agreeable disposition
Does it Matter if Someone's Watching?
- Many people may be more likely to engage in prosocial behaviors if someone is watching
- Motivations for this behavior may include:
- Desire for recognition and social status
- Wanting to be liked for their generosity
Prosocial Behaviors in Children
- Questions about prosocial behavior in children include:
- How early does prosocial behavior show up in child development?
- Why do these behaviors develop early in life?
Theoretical Perspectives
Need to Belong Theory
- According to Baumeister (2012), humans have a minimum need for forming and maintaining social relationships
- This need drives human behavior, emotion, and cognition
- The need to belong makes people follow social norms and act accordingly to feel accepted and integrated into the community
Self-Categorization Theory (SCT)
- According to Turner and Reynolds (2012), the self-categorization theory explains how people perceive themselves as individuals and as members of groups
- This theory has consequences for how people behave in groups and in society
This quiz assesses your understanding of prosocial behaviors, such as emotional support, and the benefits of following societal rules.
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