Prosocial Behavior

Question 1

prosocial behavior definition

Answer 1

All behaviors and actions that are positively evaluated by society, and which have -in one way or the other- positive consequences for the physical or psychological well-being of others

Question 2

Altruism // Reciprocial

Answer 2

• Selfless help to another person, even if the act of helping has negative consequences (costs) for yourself, and without the presence

• helping and expecting the we get help if we need it

Question 3

Empathy

Answer 3

If we feel empathy for someone, this increases the likelihood that we will help this person
– Higher likelihood of feeling empathy when:
• The person in need is similar to you
• The person in need is attractive
• You have been included (part of a group)
• You are securely attached
• We put ourselves in the other’s shoes

Question 4

Bystander Effect

Answer 4

– Diffusion of responsibility
• “Someone else will step forward”
– Pluralistic Ignorance
• “If nobody does anything, the situation must not be an emergency”
– Audience inhibition
• Competence: “What if I make matters worse by trying to help?” • Reputation: “What if I embarrass myself?”

Question 5

How to increase helping?

Answer 5

• Being aware of the process of the bystander effects helps
• Activate social norms: make people aware of their personal value system. “You should help!”
• Teach it: give the right example, be a role model, teach prosocial behavior in schools etc.
• Be personal: if you are ever in need, single out a specific person and ask him/her for help.