Prosocial Behavior
Situational factors that enhance of inhibit helping
Helping people we like, helping those who are not responsible for their problem, exposure to pro-social models increases pro-social behaviors
Five steps that determine helping versus not helping
1.) noticing, of failing to notice something unusual is happening 2.) Correctly interpreting an event as an emergency 3.) Deciding that it is your responsibility to provide help 4.) Deciding that you have the knowledge of skills to act 5.) Making the final decision to provide help
altruistic personality
A cluster of traits (e.g., high in empathy, belief in a just world that predisposes indiciduals to behave in a prosocial manner
kin selection theory
A theory suggesting that a key goal for all organisms - including human beings - is getting out genes into the next generation; one way in which individuals can reach this goal is by helping others who share there genes
social exclusion
Conditions in which individuals feel that they have been excluded from some social group.
empathy
Emotional reactions that are focused on or oriented toward other people and include feelings of compassion, sympathy, and concern
generativity
Refers to an adult's interest in and commitment to the well-being of future generations
moral integrity
Refers to the extent which individuals care about considerations of goodness and fairness when they act; moral integrity frequently involves accepting some sacrifice of self-interest to do "the right thing."
pluralistic ignorance
Refers to the fact that because non of the bystanders respond to an emergency, no one knows for sure what is happening and each depends on the other to interpret the situation.
empathy-altruism hypothesis
The suggestion that some prosocial acts are motivated solely by the desire to help someone in need
self-interest (egoism)
The view that a large portion of human behavior is based on seeking whatever provides us with the most satisfaction; we seek rewards and try to avoid punishments
empathic joy hypothesis
The view that helpers respond to the needs of a victim because they want to accomplish something, and doing so is rewarding in and of itself.
competitive altruism approach
This view suggests that one important reason why people help others is that doing so boosts their own status and reputation and, in this way, ultimately brings them large benefits ones that more than offset the costs of engaging in prosocial actions.
prosocial behavior
actions by individuals that help others with no immediate benefit to the helper
Three primary motives
self-interest, moral integrity, moral hypocrisy
negative state-relief model
the proposal that prosocial behavior is motivated by the bystander's desire to reduce his or her own uncomfortable negative emotions or feeling
Motives for volunteering
values, understanding, enhancement, career, social, protective