Prosocial Behavior
Definition and Overview
Prosocial behavior is a type of voluntary behavior intended to benefit others. It is characterized by a concern about the rights, feelings, and welfare of other people. Behaviors that can be described as prosocial include feeling empathy and concern for others and behaving in ways to help or benefit other people.
Types of Prosocial Behavior
There are several types of prosocial behavior, including helping, sharing, comforting, and cooperating. Each of these behaviors can be motivated by a variety of factors, including empathy, moral reasoning, and social norms.
Helping
Helping behavior is a type of prosocial behavior that involves assisting others in need. This can include physical assistance, such as helping someone carry a heavy load, or emotional assistance, such as providing comfort to someone who is upset.
Sharing
Sharing is another form of prosocial behavior. This involves giving resources or possessions to others without expecting anything in return. Sharing can be motivated by empathy, a desire for social approval, or adherence to social norms.
Comforting
Comforting behavior is a type of prosocial behavior that involves providing emotional support to others. This can involve listening to someone's problems, providing reassurance, or offering advice.
Cooperating
Cooperation is a form of prosocial behavior that involves working together with others to achieve a common goal. Cooperation can be motivated by a desire for social approval, a sense of fairness, or the belief that working together is more effective than working alone.
Factors Influencing Prosocial Behavior
Several factors can influence whether and how individuals engage in prosocial behavior. These include individual characteristics, situational factors, and cultural influences.
Individual Characteristics
Certain individual characteristics can influence prosocial behavior. For example, individuals who are high in empathy and moral reasoning are more likely to engage in prosocial behavior. Additionally, individuals who have a strong sense of social responsibility or who are high in agreeableness are also more likely to behave prosocially.
Situational Factors
Situational factors can also influence prosocial behavior. For example, individuals are more likely to help others when they believe that their help is needed and will be effective. Additionally, individuals are more likely to help others when they feel a sense of personal responsibility for the well-being of others.
Cultural Influences
Cultural influences can also play a role in prosocial behavior. For example, cultures that value collectivism and interdependence are more likely to promote prosocial behavior. Additionally, cultural norms and expectations can influence whether and how individuals engage in prosocial behavior.
Theories of Prosocial Behavior
There are several theories that attempt to explain why individuals engage in prosocial behavior. These include the empathy-altruism hypothesis, the negative state relief model, and the social exchange theory.
Empathy-Altruism Hypothesis
The empathy-altruism hypothesis suggests that individuals are motivated to help others when they feel empathy for them. According to this theory, when we see someone in need, we may feel empathy for them and be motivated to help them in order to alleviate their distress.
Negative State Relief Model
The negative state relief model suggests that individuals are motivated to help others in order to alleviate their own distress. According to this theory, seeing someone in need can cause us to feel distressed, and helping the person in need can help to alleviate this distress.
Social Exchange Theory
The social exchange theory suggests that individuals are motivated to help others when they believe that doing so will result in some sort of reward. This reward may be tangible, such as a gift or money, or intangible, such as social approval or a boost in self-esteem.
Implications of Prosocial Behavior
Prosocial behavior has several important implications. It can contribute to social cohesion and cooperation, promote positive social relationships, and enhance individual well-being.
Social Cohesion and Cooperation
Prosocial behavior can contribute to social cohesion and cooperation. By helping others, sharing resources, and cooperating, individuals can promote a sense of community and foster positive social relationships.
Positive Social Relationships
Prosocial behavior can also promote positive social relationships. By behaving in ways that benefit others, individuals can build trust, foster goodwill, and strengthen social bonds.
Individual Well-being
Engaging in prosocial behavior can also enhance individual well-being. Research has shown that helping others can boost individuals' mood, increase their self-esteem, and promote a sense of meaning and purpose in life.