Module 44: Prosocial Relations

Prosocial Behavior

Behavior that intends to help or benefit someone

Attraction

Prosocial behavior due to liking someone

Proximity, physical attraction, similarity

3 Ingredients or our liking for one another

Proximity

Geographical nearness

Mere Exposure Effect

The tendency for related exposure to novel stimuli to increase our liking of them

Physical Attractiveness

Influenced by cultural standards

Similarity

Opposites retract, similarity may predict long-term happiness

Liking Gap

After two strangers interact, both tend to report liking the person more than they presume the other liked them

Reward Theory of Attraction

We will like those whose behavior is rewarding to us, including those who are able and willing to help us achieve our goals

Passionate Love

An aroused state of intense positive absorption in another, usually present at the beginning of a romantic relationship

2 Factor Theory of Relationships

Arousal ccan enhance our emotion, depending on how we interpret and label the arousal

Companionate Love

The deep affectionate attachment we feel with someone with whom our life is intertwined (oxytocin hormone supports feelings of trust, calmness, and bonding)

Equity

Both partners in a relationship receive in proportion to what they give

Self-Disclosure

The act of revealing intimate aspects of ourselves to others, allows for much stronger connection than when having small-talk

Positive Support

Positive interactions between partners outweigh negative ones

Altruism

Unselfish regard for the welfare of others

John Darley and Bibb Latané

Found that we will only help others f the situation allows us to notice the incident, interpret it as an emergency, and assume responsibility for helping

Diffusion of Responsibility

Person takes less responsibility for something, or is less likely to act in a situation, due to presence of others

Bystander Effect

The tendency for any given bystander to be less likely to give aid if other bystanders are present

Social-Exchange Theory

The theory that our social behavior is an exchange process, with an aim to maximize benefits and minimize costs

Reciprocity Norm

An expectation that people will help (not hurt) those who have helped them

Social Responsibility Norm

An expectation that people will help those needing their help

Conflict

A perceived incompatibility of actions, goals, or ideas

Social Trap

A situation in which two parties, by each pursuing their self-interest rather than the good of the group, become cought in mutually destructive behavior

Mirror Image Perception

Mutual views often held by conflicting parties where each side sees itself as ethical and peaceful and views the other side as evil and aggressive (positive contact between parties helps with this)

Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

A belief that leads to its own fulfillment

Muzafer Sherif

Performed the Robbers Cave Experiment

Robbers Cave Experiment

22 boys split into two groups at a summer camp, fostering intense prejudice through competition, which was later reduced by superordinate goals

Superordinate Goals

Shared goals that override differences among people and require their cooperation

Mediators

People who facilitate much-needed communication

GRIT

By Charles Osgood, Graduated and Reciprocated Initiatives in Tension-Reduction, strategy designed to decrease international tensions