"Prosocial Reasoning" by Ryan Bennett, Lisa K. Lashley et al.
Prosocial behavior is best described as a general range of actions that are intended to benefit individuals other than one’s self. Some of these prosocial actions include helping, comforting, and sharing with others (Batson & Powell, 2003). More specifically, prosocial behavior is better understood as one’s voluntary action that is solely meant to benefit others. Prosocial reasoning is the motivating influences for an individual to engage in a prosocial behavior. Some research suggests that reasoning behind prosocial behavior is a motivation toward altruism, a principle in which one individual is selfless and engages in behaviors that help others, despite personal gain. Therefore, a potential reason for someone to engage in prosocial behavior may be to become more altruistic.
altruism, emotional tendencies, moral-cognitive processes, prosocial behavior, prosocial reasoning, social learning theory
Bennett, R., Lashley, L. K., Golden, C. J. (2020). Prosocial Reasoning. Essays in Developmental Psychology.