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Fostering prosocial behavior and empathy in young children
Tracy L Spinrad1, Diana E Gal1
1T. Denny Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA.
Current Opinion in Psychology
|August 23, 2017
Summary
This review explores fostering young children's prosocial behavior, distinguishing between intrinsic and extrinsic motivations. It highlights socialization practices and interventions that enhance positive social behaviors and concern for others.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Growing interest in understanding and promoting prosocial behavior in young children.
- Prosocial behavior involves voluntary acts intended to benefit others.
Purpose of the Study:
- To differentiate types of prosocial behavior, empathy, and sympathy.
- To review socialization practices influencing children's prosocial behavior.
- To examine intervention programs for enhancing positive social behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research.
- Analysis of studies on socialization and child development.
- Evaluation of intervention program effectiveness.
Main Results:
- Sympathy and some prosocial behaviors appear intrinsically motivated; others may be extrinsically motivated.
- Specific socialization practices are linked to individual differences in children's prosocial behavior and concern.
- Some intervention programs demonstrate effectiveness in improving prosocial actions.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the motivational underpinnings of prosocial behavior is crucial.
- Parenting and environmental factors significantly shape children's prosocial development.
- Further research is needed to refine and expand effective interventions for fostering prosociality.
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