Prosocial Behavior and Peer Relations in Adolescence

Abstract In this chapter, the literature on peer relationships and prosocial behavior is reviewed, and mechanisms underlying peer influence are discussed. The multidimensional nature of prosocial development is apparent in this literature in several respects. First, multiple types of peer relationships have been related to prosocial behavior during adolescence. Second, multiple theoretical perspectives and processes have been proposed to explain these relations. Finally, the unique nature of peer contexts in promoting the development and displays of prosocial behavior stands in contrast to those provided by parents, teachers, schools, and communities described by others in this volume. In addition, a conceptual framework for understanding adolescent prosocial behavior is presented. This explanatory model reflects the multidimensional nature of adolescent prosocial behavior and its motivational underpinnings in its integration of social cognitive models of prosocial behavior, work on social motivation and social support, and self-determination theory. Remaining questions and future directions for research are discussed.