The Social Psychology of Prosocial Behavior by John F. Dovidio
Each chapter begins with a question about prosocial behavior and ends with a summary that answers the question. The final chapter summarizes the questions and the answers that research provides. Conceptual models that elaborate on and extend the multilevel approach to prosocial behavior are used to tie these findings together. The book concludes with suggestions for future research. The Social Psychology of Prosocial Behavior addresses the following:
*the evolution of altruistic tendencies and other biological explanations of why humans are predisposed to be prosocial;
*how the situation and motives that are elicited by these situations affect when and how people help;
*the causes and maintenance of long-term helping, such as volunteering;
*how prosocial behavior changes over time and the developmental processes responsible for these changes;
*the consequences of helping for both the people who provide it and those who receive it;
*helping and cooperation within and between groups and the implications of these actions.
This accessible text is ideal for advanced courses on helping and altruism or prosocial behavior, taught in psychology, sociology, management, political science, and communication, or for anyone interested in learning more about prosocial behavior in general.