Faculty Books and Book Chapters

Altruism and Children

Altruism and Children

Book Title

Essays in Developmental Psychology

Document Type

Essay

Publication Date

2020

Editors

Randall Summers, Charles Golden, Lisa Lashley, & Erica Ailes

Keywords

altruism, children's altruistic behavior, parental role modeling, prosocial tendencies

Description

Excerpt

Altruism is the combination of willingly and spontaneously helping others. Many studies have focused on the origin of these traits, whether they are innate or learned. Researchers are examining inborn altruism and studying the influence of external forces, such as parental role modeling and prosocial tendencies, that have an influence on children's altruistic behavior (Clay, 2006). Altruism is often associated with altering levels of trust however, in children altruism takes on various forms and definitions with each developmental stage and as more complex interactions with others take place.

Additional Information

This is one in a collection of essays as part of a project that began as an encyclopedia of developmental psychology coordinated by Dr. Randall Summers. However, for unforeseen reasons, the publisher was no longer in a position to publish the encyclopedia. This project was undertaken so that thousands of hours of work by psychologists would not go wasted. Enjoy these essays and feel free to cite them using the proper format.

Submit suggestions for corrections and topics to goldench@nova.edu.

Disciplines

Psychology

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