Evaluating Reciprocal and Nonreciprocal Prosocial Behavior

The present study was an investigation of grade school children and college age adults' judgments of story figures. The characters reacted positively or negatively to someone who either did or did not help them. Children made significant distinctions between the four situations and rated them in the following order (most to least favorable): positive reciprocity, altruism, negative reciprocity, ingratitude. In contrast to the children, adults valued altruism more than positive reciprocity. The results are discussed in terms of Piaget's and Kohlberg's theories of moral development and in terms of early child-rearing practices.