What is Prosocial Behavior?
Any action intended to benefit another
This includes actions that are altruistic or aimed at helping others.
Define Pure Altruism.
With no benefit to self
Pure altruism refers to selfless actions taken solely for the benefit of others.
How do very young children demonstrate prosocial behavior?
- Comfort others in distress
- Help others complete tasks
- Prefer others who behave prosocially
- Expect fair distribution of resources
- Punish meanness at a cost
These behaviors indicate an innate tendency towards sociality and cooperation.
What is Inclusive fitness (aka Kin Selection)?
Helping those who share our genes
This increases the likelihood that shared genes will be passed on.
What is the Reciprocal Aid concept?
Cooperation among non-relatives provides evolutionary advantage
This enhances survival likelihood and reproductive success for both individuals and groups.
What is Group Selection?
Traits that benefit the group can be selected for
This may occur regardless of whether they directly benefit individual fitness.
What is the Social Responsibility Norm?
We have a responsibility to help those who need our aid
This norm influences helping behaviors across various contexts.
What is the Mood Management Hypothesis?
People help to manage their own moods
Helping can lead to a positive mood, and sadness may increase helping if it improves one’s mood.
What is the Empathy-Altruism Hypothesis?
Empathetic Concern leads to helping even when it has high personal cost
This suggests that pure altruism may exist in certain circumstances.
What is the Bystander Effect?
Failure of people in a crowd to help during an emergency
This phenomenon can lead to tragic outcomes in critical situations.
What are some causes of the Bystander Effect?
- Ambiguity of emergencies
- Pluralistic Ignorance
- Diffusion of responsibility
- Fear of physical danger
- Lack of perceived expertise
These factors contribute to individuals’ reluctance to intervene.
What is Pluralistic Ignorance?
A social psychological phenomenon where individuals privately reject a belief but assume most accept it
This can lead to inaction in group settings.
How can the Bystander Effect be reduced?
- Learn about it
- Make clear it’s an emergency
- Identify an individual
- Ask for specific help
These strategies can encourage intervention in emergencies.
What are some age differences in help-seeking behavior?
Help seeking drops off at ages 7-8 and 60
These age points indicate critical transitions in willingness to seek assistance.
True or false: Men seek help more than women.
FALSE
Research indicates that men generally seek less help than women.
What cultural difference exists in help-seeking behavior?
East Asians are less likely to seek social and professional support
This highlights variations in help-seeking across cultures.
