Cambridge Handbook of Prosociality

Prosociality is a multifaceted concept referring to the many ways in which individuals care about and benefit others. Human prosociality is foundational to social harmony happiness and peace; it is therefore essential to understand its underpinnings development and cultivation. This handbook provides a state-of-the-art in-depth account of scientific theoretical and practical knowledge regarding prosociality and its development. Its thirty chapters written by international researchers in the field elucidate key issues including: the development of prosociality across infancy childhood adolescence and beyond; the biological cognitive emotional and motivational mechanisms that underlie and influence prosociality; how different socialization agents and social contexts can affect children's prosociality; and intervention approaches aimed at cultivating prosociality in children and adolescents. This knowledge can benefit researchers students practitioners and policy makers seeking to nurture socially responsible caring youth.