Exploring Prosocial Behavior: Who Helps, When, and Why?

~Aditya Singh (2020MS10740)

 Introduction

People frequently engage in acts of compassion and charity to benefit others, an example of prosocial conduct. Supporting others in need, offering personal resources, donating time and effort, and collaborating to achieve common objectives are all examples of prosocial behaviour. This module concentrates on assisting in dyadic situations, where one person requires assistance and another steps in to satisfy that need. Although individuals are frequently in demand, aid is only sometimes forthcoming. This prompts the question, "Why do some people choose to help while others do not?" To untangle the complex dynamics behind prosocial behaviour, we must investigate the variables that influence these decisions.

The Complexity of Helping

Helping someone in need is a more complicated decision than it first seems. Multiple variables are at play, making the decision-making process complex and multifaceted. This lesson will examine the many factors affecting prosocial behaviour to understand who helps when and why.

The Bystander Effect

A key concept in the study of prosocial behaviour is the bystander effect. This phenomenon shows that people are less willing to assist with an issue when others are around. In a communal setting, accountability is shared, which breeds passivity by creating the expectation that someone else will step up to assist. Comprehending this phenomenon is essential for cultivating prosocial conduct, as it underscores the importance of individual accountability and initiative.

Empathy

One of the best indicators of prosocial behaviour is empathy. When people can imagine themselves in the position of individuals in need, they are more willing to assist. Since empathy fosters the desire to lessen suffering and enhance the well-being of others, it may be a powerful motivator. Promoting and teaching empathy can be an effective way to motivate prosocial behaviour.

Altruism vs. Egoism

Egoistic or altruistic incentives may be the driving force behind prosocial conduct. Egoism is motivated by self-interest and personal gain, whereas altruism is characterized by selfless concern for the welfare of others. It's critical to comprehend how these incentives interact to determine who offers assistance when and why. While some donate only out of selflessness, others do it to achieve social acceptance or personal gratification.

Social Norms and Expectations

Promoting prosocial conduct is significantly impacted by societal norms and expectations. People frequently choose to assist based on social standards and expectations. While helping strangers is seen as a moral duty in certain civilizations, independence and self-sufficiency are highly prized in others. Comprehending the impact of cultural and societal norms is crucial for gaining a broader grasp of prosocial conduct.

Reciprocity

According to the reciprocity notion, people are more likely to aid someone who has benefited them in the past or who they might help in the future. This idea highlights the vast web of social connections and their importance for promoting prosocial behaviour. Comprehending the principles of reciprocity clarifies why specific individuals opt to assist particular others while disregarding others.

Conclusion

Prosocial behaviour, such as assisting those in need, is complex and varied—psychological, social, and cultural factors impact who helps when and why. By examining ideas like the bystander effect, empathy, altruism vs. egoism, social norms, and reciprocity, we can better understand the motivations behind deeds of compassion and generosity.

Ultimately, cultivating prosocial conduct in society requires a multimodal approach. This could involve fostering social norms that respect other people's well-being, teaching empathy, and motivating personal accountability. We may create a more compassionate and encouraging environment where people are more likely to lend a helpful hand when necessary by being aware of the many nuances of assistance.

References

• Padilla-Walker, L. M., & Carlo, G. (2014). The study of prosocial behavior. Prosocial development: A multidimensional approach, 3.
• Cieciura, J. (2016). A summary of the bystander effect: Historical development and relevance in the digital age. Inquiries Journal, 8(11).
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/social-sciences/prosocial-behavior
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4306462/
• Maner, J. K., & Gailliot, M. T. (2007). Altruism and egoism: Prosocial motivations for helping depend on relationship context. European Journal of Social Psychology, 37(2), 347-358.