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Prosocial modeling: person role models and the media
1Institut für Psychologie, Universität Innsbruck, Innrain 52, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
Current Opinion in Psychology
|October 10, 2021
Summary
Learning prosocial behavior from others is common. Observing prosocial models, whether in person or through media, increases helpful actions, demonstrating the contagious nature of positive social behavior.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Human learning heavily relies on social observation.
- Prosocial behavior, or actions intended to benefit others, is a key aspect of social interaction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review empirical research on prosocial modeling.
- To examine how exposure to prosocial models influences observer behavior.
Main Methods:
- Review of empirical studies on prosocial modeling.
- Analysis of research on in-person and media-based prosocial exposure.
Main Results:
- Direct observation of prosocial models increases subsequent prosocial behavior.
- Exposure to prosocial content in media (TV, music, video games) also enhances prosocial actions.
- Prosocial behavior demonstrates a contagious effect.
Conclusions:
- Exposure to prosocial models is an effective strategy for promoting positive social interactions.
- Understanding the mechanisms of prosocial modeling can inform interventions to encourage altruism.
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