The Oxford Handbook of Prosocial Behavior

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The Oxford Handbook of Prosocial Behavior offers a thorough review of the literature on why and when individuals act to benefit others. It serves as a valuable resource for both casual readers and newcomers, addressing fundamental questions about prosocial behavior. The chapters adopt a multi-level approach, covering a wide range of topics from micro-level analyses, such as evolutionary and comparative psychology, to macro-level applications like reducing intergroup conflicts and ethnic genocide. Contributors, all recognized experts, discuss developmental processes that predispose individuals to empathize with others, individual differences that interact with situational factors to promote helping, and the motivations behind altruistic actions. The book examines volunteerism, intragroup and intergroup cooperation, and extends the discussion to pro-environmental actions, participation in medical trials, and the promotion of world peace. It also explores how gender, interpersonal relationships, race, and religion influence decisions to provide aid. The concluding chapter encourages a broader perspective on prosocial behavior, inviting researchers and readers to seek a deeper understanding of the field and its interconnectedness.