There are thousands of people around the world who have prosocial behavior. Many see this as a good thing because their actions towards others are based on empathy. Indeed, various benefits come with prosocial behavior.
In this article, we will be defining prosocial behavior. We will also discuss the basics of the concept, including a few benefits and different behavior types.
What Is Prosocial Behavior?
A prosocial behavior or action is one that is intended to help other people. In other words, the behavior is driven by the concern for the welfare and happiness of others. For example, if you feel empathy towards another person, you are being prosocial.
These behaviors include a wide range of actions, including comforting, helping, and sharing. The term was first used back in the 1970s after social scientists needed an acronym for antisocial behavior.
Benefits Of Prosocial Behavior
As we have already mentioned, prosocial behavior is a good thing. In fact, there are plenty of benefits that come with it:
- Mood-boosting effects – research has indicated that people who help others tend to be happier.
- Social support benefits – social support is crucial when times get tough. This type of support can significantly reduce the risk of loneliness and depression.
- Stress-reducing effects – research has found that prosocial behavior can have a massive impact on reducing stress.
Types Of Prosocial Behavior
There are also various types of prosocial behavior that can be determined by why they are produced:
- Proactive – these prosocial behaviors are performed for self-gain or personal benefits. For example, if someone helps another person to feel good about themselves, it is a proactive action.
- Reactive – these behaviors are performed in response to individual needs.
- Altruism – these behaviors are performed without the expectation of personal gain. If you help another person out of the kindness of your heart, it is referred to as an altruistic action.
Researchers have found that prosocial behaviors are often motivated by several forces. For instance, if a person wants to fit in with a group and be seen as kind, they are likely to perform proactive behaviors. In other words, they are helping others for a reason that benefits them.
Concluding Thoughts
Prosocial behavior refers to any behavior or action that is meant to help others. There are various benefits to this type of behavior. For example, it can help reduce stress and boost your mood. There are also different types of prosocial behavior, including proactive, reactive, and altruistic. These types can be determined by the reasoning behind the prosocial behavior.
