Prosocial Development

Prosocial behavior-broadly defined as voluntary action intended to help or benefit another-has been associated with positive outcomes across the lifespan. Children with a more prosocial orientation are better liked and trusted by their peers have a higher status in peer groups are better at maintaining friendships demonstrate better self regulation empathy and social cognitive skills and excel in academics. Researchers have shown that prosocial behaviors correlate to lower rates of school suspension and drop-out teen pregnancy substance use aggression and delinquency. These positive effects speak to the value of prosocial behavior during formative years. Prosocial Development examines a variety of biological socialization and contextual influences on prosocial development from infancy through early adulthood. While the definition of prosocial behavior may seem straightforward recent research has highlighted its multifaceted nature. This volume specifically focuses on the multidimensionality of prosocial development examining different contexts motivations types and targets of prosocial behavior that are differentially predicted by socialization and dispositional characteristics. Skillfully edited by Drs. Padilla-Walker and Carlo each chapter in this volume highlights some aspect of multidimensionality in regard to prosocial behavior and meaningful avenues for future research. This volume will be an important tool for scholars researchers and practitioners who are interested in prosocial moral and positive youth development. The organization and focus of this volume are also well-suited for use as a text for graduate courses in moral development child and adolescent development social psychology sociology anthropology and family studies.