Psychologist Studies the Driving Force Behind Prosocial Behavior, Altruism

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – David Schroeder, professor of psychological science at the University of Arkansas, is co-editor of a new comprehensive book on prosocial behavior, the study of helping, volunteering and cooperation – all acts that benefit others.

The book, The Oxford Handbook of Prosocial Behavior, is a comprehensive reference that looks at the broad spectrum of prosociality, ranging from evolutionary and biological roots to developmental and socialization processes to interpersonal and group influences to applications to peace psychology and even means to reduce genocide.

Schroeder, who is also director of experimental training at the U of A, co-edited the book with William Graziano, professor of psychological sciences at Purdue University.

“Understanding the many determinants of when people help, why people help, and who the people are who help will hopefully enable us to promote more positive relations with others,” Schroeder said.

Prosocial behavior has been a focus of Schroeder’s research throughout his career as a social psychologist, as it is an important component in a society.

“You can’t have simple individualism, because each person rushing toward his or her own best interest will bring ruin to all.  We all need to consider how we might act in ways that will also help those around us,” he said.  “By talking more about prosociality, it makes people more sensitive to the inherent conflict between doing what is best for self and doing what is best for the common good.  Hopefully they will come to recognize the many benefits to be realized by doing good things for others.”