Question

Discuss some of the factors that influence prosocial behaviour

Answer 1

Pro-social behaviour means, doing good to others or being helpful. It involves working for others without any self-interest. Some instances of pro-social behaviour are cooperating with others, sharing things, showing sympathy and doing favours to others.

Pro-social behaviour has the following characteristics-

1. Aim to benefit or do good to other persons or another person.

2. Doing good for others without expecting anything in return.

Factors influencing Pro-social behaviour:

1. Pro-social behaviour is influenced by learning. Individuals who are brought up in a family environment that sets examples of helping others emphasises helping as a value, and praises helpfulness and showing more pro-social behaviour than individuals who are brought up in a family environment devoid of these features.

2. Pro-social behaviour is based on an inborn, natural tendency in human beings to help others members of their own species. This inborn tendency facilitates survival of the species.