Echosystemic Psychology

PROSOCIAL BEHAVIOUR IS THE OUTCOME OF MUTIPLE FACTORS.

Introduction

Prosocial behaviour is the outcome of multiple factors. It is influenced by cultural factors that shape our life. Being born in the different cultural societies leads to different development of prosocial behaviour. The way children are socialised in their families may encourage or deter the process of prosocial development. Apart from the environment that act as catalyst for development to occur, the child’s genetic makeup determine what the child learn and what to not learn

CULTURAL FACTORS

Culture, like environment shapes the child’s behaviour. Cultures that are collective in nature, promoting sameness, sharing and sharing of responsibilities are more influential in the development of prosocial behaviour than individualistic cultures that promote differentness. In collective communities, it is a norm to respond and help to someone in distress. For instance when there is a funeral, it is all community members’ responsibility to bury the person and also offer comfort and morn together for their loss. They also promote sharing of resources, food and taking care for the poor. Children who grow up in this type of community are more likely to develop high prosocial behaviour.

Religion

Religion plays a role in shaping the life of people. Children who are taught at an early age, whose faith emphasises giving, sharing and responding to the needs of others are more likely to develop prosocial behaviour than children who does not held any faith.

SOCIALISATION OF PROSOCIAL BEHAVIOR WITHIN THE FAMILY.

Social experience and emotional understanding

The more mothers label emotions, explain them and express warmth and enthusiasm when conversing with preschoolers, the more the “emotional words” children use and the better developed their emotional understanding. Parents who frequently acknowledge their preschoolers’ emotions influence their children’s development of judging of emotions. As children learn...