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Prosocial development

D F Hay1

  • 1Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Cambridge, U.K.

Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, and Allied Disciplines
|January 1, 1994
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Prosocial behavior emerges in infancy and may decline in the preschool years due to cognitive and emotional regulation. Further research is needed on gender differences and the impact of relationships on children's prosocial development.

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Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Social Psychology
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • Prosocial behavior, encompassing empathy and altruism, is a key aspect of social development.
  • Understanding the developmental trajectory of prosociality is crucial for identifying factors influencing social competence.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and synthesize evidence for developmental hypotheses concerning prosocial behavior from infancy through childhood.
  • To identify gaps in current research, particularly the need for longitudinal studies and integrated approaches to prosociality.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature and developmental hypotheses regarding prosocial behavior.
  • Analysis of data supporting or refuting claims about the emergence, decline, and differentiation of prosociality.

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Main Results:

  • Evidence supports an early emergence of general prosocial impulses in the first year of life.
  • Cross-sectional data suggest a potential decline in prosocial behavior during the preschool years, linked to cognitive and emotional regulation.
  • Gender differences in prosocial behavior are suggested, but require more robust observational data and research on male prosociality.

Conclusions:

  • Prosocial development is complex, with early emergence but potential preschool declines.
  • Longitudinal studies are essential to understand the nuances of prosocial behavior changes.
  • Future research should integrate empathy, guilt, social standards, and close relationships to fully understand prosocial actions.