Prosocial behavior Archie larcada What is Pro Social
Pro-social behavior Archie larcada
What is Pro Social Behavior? � Voluntary actions that are intended to help or benefit another individual or group of individual (Eisenberg & Mussen 1989) � It is central to the well-being of social groups across a range scales � Emphathy is also the most important factor leading to pro-social behavior
Mc. Dougall (1908) � Attention to pro-social behavior in psychology originated with Mc. Dougall, who argued that pro-social behavior is the result of “tender emotions” created by the parental instinct, but most current research has its roots in lay and scientific reactions to the nonresponsive bystanders in the brutal murder of katherine “kitty” Genovese in 1964.
Bystander effect? � The term bystander effect refers to the phenomenon in which the greater the number of people present, the less likely people are to help a person in distress. When an emergency situation occurs, observers are more likely to take action if there are few or no other witnesses.
Theories on Pro-social Behavior � Empathy- Altruism actions may be motivated by empathy capacity to recognize emotions that are being experienced by another sentient or fictional being. Altruism: Behavior that reflects an unselfish concern for the welfare of others.
Negative state Relief model � Human beings have an innate drive to reduce negative moods � Negative mood increases helpfulness because helping others can reduce one’s own bad feelings(Baumann, Cialdini, &kenrick, 1981).
Kin selection theory � Kin selection is an evolutionary theory that proposes that people are more likely to help those who are blood relatives because it will increase the odds of gene transmission to future generations.
Reciprocal Altruism � Altruism can be favored as long as the altruist receives a reciprocal benefit that is greater than its initial cost.
Volunteering Biological benefits of Volunteering � Happiness and health have consistently found a strong connection through volunteering � A conscious focus on gratitude led to reductions in negative affect and increases in optimistic appraisals, positive affect, offering emotional support, sleep quality, and well being � Happier people are also naturally kinder.
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