The Development of Childrens Prosocial

Behavior in Early Childhood

Meghan Scrimgeour
Course in College Teaching
Microteach
October 14, 2014

Learning Objectives
1. Define prosocial behavior
2. Distinguish different types of prosocial behavior
3. Identify methods for assessing prosocial behavior

Written Background Probe

Please write down what you know, or believe you know,
about prosocial behavior in childhood.

Hmm?

What is Prosocial Behavior and Why Does It Matter?

Voluntary behavior that is intended to benefit another
person
Develops within the first few years of life

Promotes social competence and positive social

relationships later in life (Eisenberg et al., 2006; Ensor, et al., 2009; Hay et al., 2010)
Children who engage in low levels of prosocial behavior:

Less socially competent with peers

More likely to experience peer rejection
More likely to associate with deviant peer groups
More likely to engage in antisocial behaviors

(Hay et al., 1999; Ensor et al., 2009; Lansford et al., 2006; Vitaro et al., 1990; Weidman & Strayhorn, 1992;
Wojslawowicz et al., 2006)

Types of Prosocial Behavior

Helping

Explanations, physical aid, and attempts to alleviate anothers nonemotional needs, such as giving information, helping with a task, or
offering an object that was not previously in the givers possession

Sharing

Giving away or allowance of temporary use of an object that was

previously in the childs possession

Cooperating

When children assume complementary roles in order to engage in an

action with a shared goal

Comforting

Verbally or physically consoling another when distressed, including

attempts to alleviate the emotional needs of the individual or efforts to
make the individual

Assessing Prosocial Behavior in Early

Childhood
Self, Parent, Teacher report
Robust assessment
Prosocial behavior across contexts

Observation
Home and laboratory assessments
Objective

Prosocial Behavior in Action

Socialization Temperament and Relationships Study
(STARS)
Which types of prosocial behavior do you see? Lets vote!