prosocial behavior

Envy Hurts Not Only Us but Also Those Around Us

Sad female teenager envious of couple seen embracing in the distance

Feeling envious not only makes us unhappy, it can affect how we treat other people.

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Are Poor People Actually More Generous?

Young woman giving money to homeless man.

Previous research suggested that lower class individuals are more generous than wealthier people, but recent studies question that conclusion.

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“Let’s Stay Safe; Please Keep Your Distance”: How to Politely Ask Other People to Maintain Social Distance

Couple separated while sitting on a couch

In our efforts to maintain social distance, asking other people to stay a safe distance away can be awkward and difficult. But research on how people make and interpret requests offers a solution.

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New Insights into How to Promote Prosocial Behavior

little Wooden men holding hands in grass

New research suggests that it may be easier to create long lasting patterns of helping others than many people assume.

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How Do Robots and Humans Interact?

Image of robot in foreground, blurred female in background

To what extent do people place identity with or against robots? Can we take a robot’s perspective? Do we see robots as moral beings?

Xuan Zhao, who studies perspective taking, empathy, and prosocial behaviors, launched the session by highlighting the theoretical and practical relevance of examining human-robot interaction.

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Arts Engagement Can Help Counter Divisions in Society

Engagement with the arts can help societies counter economic, cultural and political divisions, new research co-ordinated by psychologists at the University of Kent shows.

The study provides evidence that the arts can act as a key social psychological catalyst that can foster and maintain social co-operation.

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How We Think About Our Past Experiences Affects How We Can Help Others

Image of young woman holding coffee cup looking out of a window

Have you ever told a friend experiencing a troubling situation “I know exactly how you feel”?

This empathic response is usually driven by a connection we’ve made with our own similar experiences. Having “been there”, we believe we know what it’s like to be them. But do we really?

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The Paradox of Helping: Endorsing for Others What We Oppose for Ourselves

A homeless person approaches you during the lunch hour, appealing for a few dollars to buy lunch. You are moved to help, but you have a choice—you could either give the person a portion of your own sandwich to eat, or give them cash. Which would you prefer?

Now, consider a second scenario. Your friend approaches you at lunch, also appealing for a few dollars. Would you give to your friend part of your sandwich or the money?

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Psychology News Round-Up: ICYMI June 30, 2017

Each week, we recap featured posts from Character & Context and other blogs around the cyberspace, plus news stories and tweets worth a look. If you have an item you'd like us to consider, use the hashtag #SPSPblog or tweet us directly @spspnews.

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Can Images of Watching Eyes Increase Generosity?

By Stefanie Northover

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