The Cambridge Handbook of Prosociality

An in-depth examination of the development and cultivation of prosociality, which is foundational to social harmony, happiness, and peace.

Prosociality is a cornerstone of a humane, harmonious, and flourishing society. This handbook details how prosociality develops, what factors underlie its growth, and how it can be nurtured in children and adolescents across different social contexts. It aims to inform and assist researchers, students, practitioners, caregivers, and policy makers.Prosociality is a multifaceted concept referring to the many ways in which individuals care about and benefit others. Human prosociality is foundational to social harmony, happiness, and peace; it is therefore essential to understand its underpinnings, development, and cultivation. This handbook provides a state-of-the-art, in-depth account of scientific, theoretical, and practical knowledge regarding prosociality and its development. Its thirty chapters, written by international researchers in the field, elucidate key issues, including: the development of prosociality across infancy, childhood, adolescence, and beyond; the biological, cognitive, emotional, and motivational mechanisms that underlie and influence prosociality; how different socialization agents and social contexts can affect children's prosociality; and intervention approaches aimed at cultivating prosociality in children and adolescents. This knowledge can benefit researchers, students, practitioners, and policy makers seeking to nurture socially responsible, caring youth.