Prosocial Reasoning

Prosocial behaviors, instances of helping, sharing, and caring, are important for the development and maintenance of social relationships. By exhibiting these positive behaviors toward others, individuals build successful interpersonal relationships, encourage respectful treatment of others, and learn valuable social skills that serve as the building blocks for healthy social development. Children begin exhibiting prosocial behaviors as early as toddlerhood and the preschool years, sharing valuable resources with those who express desire and need them, and offering toys and other resources to others. Prosocial behavior remains especially important for development because these developing behaviors help guide interpersonal knowledge and experiences throughout the life span. This entry outlines the development and classifications of prosocial reasoning as well as obstacles that may interfere with the ability to utilize ...