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Prosociality is centred on intentions, not outcomes
Leon Li1, Tindaya Déniz2, Louisa Huff2
1Faculty of Education, Leipzig University, Marschnerstr. 29a, 04109, Leipzig, Germany. leon.inbox@gmail.com.
Animal Cognition
|July 31, 2025
Summary
Prosociality is best defined by the intention to benefit others, not by whether the benefit is actually achieved. This intention-based definition aids research by simplifying measurement and including unsuccessful prosocial acts.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Behavioral Science
- Social Cognition
Background:
- Current definitions of prosociality focus on intentional behavior that successfully benefits another.
- Operationalizing 'benefit' presents significant challenges in empirical research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a revised definition of prosociality centered on intentions rather than outcomes.
- To enhance the utility of prosociality as a construct for research.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of existing definitions of prosociality.
- Argumentation for an intention-based definition over an outcome-based one.
Main Results:
- An intention-based definition of prosociality is more practical due to the difficulty in operationalizing 'benefit'.
- An intention-based definition accounts for intended but unsuccessful prosocial actions and their psychological impact.
- An intention-based definition is as conservative as an outcome-based definition.
Conclusions:
- Redefining prosociality based on the intention to benefit, irrespective of outcome, offers a more robust framework.
- This revised definition is more suitable for comparative and developmental research in prosocial behavior.
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