Multidimensionality of Prosocial Behavior

This chapter focuses on the issue of the multi-dimensionality of prosocial behavior and discuss a range of issues relevant to current and future work on prosocial behavior. The topics discussed include definitional issues, nuances to be considered in conceptualizing prosocial behavior (PB), reanalysis of conclusions regarding the development of prosocial behavior, the role of personality and socialization in different types of prosocial behaviors, varying consequences of different types of prosocial behaviors, variation in boundaries in regard to the recipients of prosocial behaviors, and diversity in the emergence and trajectories of various types of prosocial behaviors. It concludes that it is extremely useful to keep in mind the diversity of prosocial responses when discussing the development, origins, and consequences of prosocial behavior.