The emergence and early development of prosocial behavior: universalities and cultural specifications

Abstract

Despite a long standing interest in the early development of prosocial behaviors, there is still considerable controversy about their origins and development. While some researchers propose that humans are born with a fundamental motivation to help, share and comfort others (nature), some researchers suggest that prosocial behaviors are socialized by parents and other adults (nurture). With respect to their development, some researchers proposed that prosocial behaviors will increase in frequency and complexity (e.g., Eisenberg & Fabes, 1998) from infancy to childhood, while others suggest that those behaviors will decrease as children gain in self-regulation and selectivity (e.g., Hay, 1994). The current Ph.D. project investigate the early development of prosocial behaviors and the role of socialization processes in this development. The primary sample for this project will be 160 Dutch toddlers that will be followed across three measurement waves spaced 6 months apart. Each time, prosocial behavior (helping, sharing and comforting) will be assessed along with mother and teacher reports of their prosocial value and goals as well as how they socialize prosocial behavior. A cross-sectional sample of Chinese toddlers and their mothers will also be assessed. Thus, socialization processes will be examined the micro (family/daycare environment) and macro level (culture).