Altruism and Prosocial Behavior

Prosocial behavior involves a broad range of acts, including cooperation and helping behavior, which are intended to benefit others. Altruism is a particular form of helping behavior that is motivated primarily to improve the welfare of another person. Although much of the work on prosocial behavior was stimulated by events that suggested the insensitivity of people to others' needs, people are generally responsive to the problems and distress of others. This responsiveness may have genetic and biological roots, but empathy represents an immediate link to prosocial behavior and altruism. The opportunity to relieve personal distress aroused by empathy and/or perceptions of other personal benefits often motivate helping. In addition, empathic concern activates a particular motivation that produces altruistic action to help another person, even at some net cost to the benefactor. Prosocial behavior thus benefits oneself, other individuals, and one's group in ways that promote social coordination and cohesiveness.