Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 21, 2025
08:00
Analyzing Spatial Learning and Prosocial Behavior in Mice Using the Barnes Maze and Damsel-in-Distress Paradigms
Published on: November 17, 2018
14.5K
Too Good to be Liked? When and How Prosocial Others are Disliked
Lucia L-A Boileau1, David J Grüning2, Herbert Bless1
1Chair of Microsociology and Social Psychology, Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, University of Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany.
Frontiers in Psychology
|September 7, 2021
Summary
Extremely prosocial people can be disliked because they set high standards or seem narcissistic. This research explores why unusual kindness might lead to rejection rather than admiration.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Prior research primarily examined the devaluation of competence and success.
- The devaluation of extreme prosociality remains under-researched.
- Prosocial behavior, or acting helpfully towards others, can sometimes lead to social rejection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms behind the devaluation of extremely prosocial individuals.
- To test the hypotheses that extreme prosociality can lead to rejection due to high comparison standards and perceptions of communal narcissism.
Main Methods:
- Two experiments were conducted using controlled target manipulations.
- Participants were exposed to either an extreme prosocial target or a control target.
- Situational comparison salience and target narcissism (modesty vs. showing off) were manipulated.
Main Results:
- The extreme prosocial target was less liked than the control target.
- This devaluation effect was amplified when comparison situations were salient.
- The prosocial target was liked less when displaying narcissistic "showing off" behaviors.
Conclusions:
- Extreme prosociality does not automatically lead to greater liking.
- Social comparison and perceived narcissism can mediate the rejection of highly prosocial individuals.
- Findings challenge the assumption that altruism always garners admiration.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Factors Influencing Attraction VI: Personality Traits
44
Personality traits are fundamental in shaping social perception and influencing interpersonal relationships. Certain traits, such as agreeableness and extraversion, contribute positively to social interactions, whereas others, such as narcissism, have complex and often contradictory effects on how individuals are perceived over time.The Role of Agreeableness and ExtraversionAgreeableness and extraversion are associated with higher levels of interpersonal attractiveness and likability.
44
02:16Stereotype Content Model
14.9K
The Stereotype Content Model (SCM) was first proposed by Susan Fiske and her colleagues (Fiske, Cuddy, Glick & Xu, 2002; see also Fiske, 2012 and Fiske, 2017). The SCM specifies that when someone encounters a new group, they will stereotype them based on two metrics: warmth—or that group’s perceived intent, and how likely they are to provide help or inflict harm—and competence—or their ability to carry out that objective. Depending on the warmth-competence...
14.9K
01:29Dark Triad and Person Perception
38
Person perception is influenced by both external behaviors and the observer’s internal characteristics, including personality traits. Individuals with dark personality traits, comprising psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and narcissism — collectively known as the dark triad – exhibit manipulative and exploitative tendencies in social contexts. These traits affect how they perceive others and how they are perceived.The Role of Dark Personality Traits in Person PerceptionBlack et...
38
01:26Causes of Similarity-Dissimilarity Effect
53
The similarity-dissimilarity effect, a fundamental concept in social psychology, explains how interpersonal similarities and differences influence attraction and social interactions. This effect is supported by three key psychological perspectives: balance theory, social comparison theory, and consensual validation.Balance Theory and Cognitive ConsistencyBalance theory, developed by Fritz Heider, posits that individuals seek cognitive consistency in their relationships. When two people share...
53
01:20Social Foundations of Self II: The Generalized Other
44
According to George Herbert Mead, as children progress beyond the game stage, they develop a more comprehensive understanding of societal rules and norms. This cognitive and social development enables them to internalize the expectations of the broader community, refining their ability to regulate behavior.Consistent participation in organized activities is crucial in helping children recognize that their actions are not isolated but contribute to a more significant, interconnected group...
44
01:24Antisocial Personality Disorder
250
Antisocial personality disorder is a chronic mental health condition characterized by persistent patterns of disregard for the rights and well-being of others. Individuals with antisocial personality disorder exhibit behaviors that include deceitfulness, impulsivity, irresponsibility, aggression, and a profound lack of empathy. These traits often manifest early in life and persist into adulthood, leading to significant personal, social, and legal consequences.
Behavioral Characteristics and...
Behavioral Characteristics and...
250