01:830:331 Chapter Notes - Chapter 12.3: Prosocial Behavior, Sympathetic Nervous System, 18 Months
17 Apr 2017
School
Department
Course
Professor
Document Summary
Prosocial behavior: any behavior that benefits another person. Altruism: prosocial behavior, such as helping and sharing, in which the individual does not benefits directly from his/her behavior. Altruism is driven by feelings of responsibility for other people. (ex: two youngsters pooling their funds to buy a candy bar to share demonstrates cooperative behavior. One youngster giving half her lunch to a friend who forgot his own lunch demonstrates altruism) Many scientists believe that humans are biologically predisposed to be helpful, to share, to cooperate, and to be concerned for others. Simple acts of altruism can be seen by 18 months of age. When toddlers and preschoolers see other people who are obviously hurt or upset, they appear concerned. Their sympathetic nervous system is activated, which is a common by-product of experiencing distressing or threatening events. Like the child in the photo, they try to comfort the person by hugging him or patting him.
