Knowra Prosocial behavior Prosocial behavior Prosocial behavior is voluntary action intended to benefit another person or group. It includes helping, sharing, comforting, and cooperating, whether or not the actor also benefits.
Empathy–altruism hypothesis : A psychological hypothesis that empathic concern can produce genuinely altruistic motivation. It explains how concern for another person can motivate helping for that person’s sake.
Altruism : Behavior that benefits another while imposing a cost on the actor, often defined without regard to motive. It is narrower than prosocial behavior because it centers on costs to the helper.
Volunteerism : Unpaid activity undertaken by choice to benefit people, organizations, or communities. Volunteering is organized prosocial action beyond immediate personal relationships.
Psychological egoism : The view that every human action is ultimately motivated by self-interest. It challenges the claim that prosocial actions can be motivated by concern for others.
Social capital : Resources available through relationships, networks, and shared norms of trust and reciprocity. Repeated helping can strengthen networks and trust that support collective cooperation.
Bystander effect : The tendency for an individual to be less likely to help when others are present. The presence of other potential helpers can suppress the prosocial response.
Helping behavior : Action intended to improve another person’s situation or address a need. Helping is a direct, readily recognized form of prosocial behavior.
Charitable giving : Donating money or goods to support people or causes. Giving converts prosocial intentions into material support for others.
Social exchange theory : A theory that explains social interaction through perceived rewards, costs, and exchanges. It interprets helping through expected benefits and costs rather than other-focused motives.
Social support : Emotional, informational, or practical assistance received through relationships. Prosocial acts often create or deliver support that can buffer stress.
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