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Related Concept Videos

Empathy02:34

Empathy

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Some researchers suggest that altruism operates on empathy. Empathy is the capacity to understand another person’s perspective, to feel what he or she feels. An empathetic person makes an emotional connection with others and feels compelled to help (Batson, 1991). Empathy can be expressed in several ways, including cognitive, affective, and motor. 
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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...
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During adolescence, individuals experience significant cognitive development that enhances their understanding of others' emotions and thoughts, known as cognitive empathy. This period is marked by an increased ability to adapt to others' perspectives and a more nuanced understanding of others' mental states, a skill that is foundational for social problem-solving and conflict avoidance. The development of cognitive empathy relies heavily on the theory of mind — the...
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How developing prosocial motivations shape children's altruism.

Robert Hepach1, Ella Daniel2

  • 1Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; New College, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.

Trends in Cognitive Sciences
|April 19, 2026
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Understanding children's altruism is key to fostering prosocial behavior. Research shows the sequence of developing intrinsic, extrinsic, and strategic motivations impacts how children help others.

Keywords:
altruismchildhoodempathyextrinsic motivationintrinsic motivationprosocial behaviour

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Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Behavioral Economics
  • Social Neuroscience

Background:

  • Altruism and prosocial behavior are fundamental human traits.
  • Understanding the developmental trajectory of these behaviors in children is essential for maximizing human potential.
  • Previous research has explored various motivations for helping, but a synthesized developmental perspective is lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To synthesize and highlight recent research on the motivations behind children's costly prosocial behavior.
  • To examine the developmental order of intrinsic, extrinsic, and strategic motivations in children.
  • To understand the implications of this developmental sequence for interventions aimed at promoting positive youth development.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review and synthesis of empirical studies on children's prosocial behavior.
  • Analysis of research focusing on intrinsic (e.g., empathy), extrinsic (e.g., rewards), and strategic (e.g., reputation) motivations.
  • Comparative analysis of findings across different age groups and cultural contexts.

Main Results:

  • Children's prosocial behavior is driven by a complex interplay of motivations that evolve over development.
  • Intrinsic motivations often emerge early, followed by extrinsic and then more strategic considerations.
  • The specific order and interplay of these motivations vary, influenced by individual differences and environmental factors.

Conclusions:

  • A developmental perspective is critical for understanding and nurturing altruism in children.
  • The sequence in which children develop different motivations for helping has significant implications for educational and social interventions.
  • Targeted strategies can be developed to foster prosocial behavior by aligning with children's developmental stages of motivation.