Prosocial development and situational morality: Neurobiological, parental, and contextual factors

TitleProsocial development and situational morality: Neurobiological, parental, and contextual factors
Publication TypeBook Chapter
Authorsvan IJzendoorn, Marinus H., and Marian J. Bakermans-Kranenburg
EditorLeckman, James F., Catherine Panter-Brick, and Rima Salah
Prosocial behavior is any (voluntary) behavior intended to benefit others, and it is one of the potential contributions that an individual can make toward a more peaceful world. In this chapter, neurobiological, parental, and situational factors that might shape the prosocial behavior of children are discussed and emerging prosocial and antisocial behavior in infancy is reviewed and the question posed whether prosociality is inborn or obtained through socialization by parents. Twin studies suggest a considerable genetic component in prosociality, but current molecular genetic studies fail to support this outcome. Studies on gene-environment interaction, in particular on differential susceptibility, might be more promising as the influence of the family1 and wider social context on prosocial development seems undeniable. Hormonal influences on prosocial behavior have recently been studied using intranasal oxytocin administration, and some studies on prosociality related to neural activity and brain morphology in children have become available. This chapter ends with some thoughts and findings on situational morality. Environmental “nudges” might play a more important role than is currently acknowledged in child development research and theories of prosociality.
Title Prosocial development and situational morality: Neurobiological, parental, and contextual factors
Publication Title Pathways to peace: The transformative power of children and families
Publication Type Book Chapter
Published Year 2014
Publisher The MIT Press
Authors M.H. van IJzendoorn; M.J. Bakermans-Kranenburg
Editors J.F. Leckman; C. Panter-Brick; R. Salah
Section 10
Grant List
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