Predictors of Prosocial Behavior in Preschool Children
Location
FA-202
Department
Psychology
Abstract
Prosocial behaviors such as sharing, donating, and helping, are critical for psychological well- being, healthy social relationships, and community function. The early development of prosociality during the preschool years has lasting effects into adulthood. Thus, it is critical to understand what factors are related to prosocial development. The present study asks how personality traits, motor development, empathy, and emotion regulation are related to children’s prosociality. Parents of preschool children will complete an online survey to rate their children’s prosociality, personality traits, motor development, empathy, and emotional development. We predict that increased prosocial behavior will be associated with positive personality traits, greater motor skills, high levels of empathy, and higher emotional regulation. The results of this study will contribute to our understanding of mechanisms that may support prosociality in preschool children and the types of behaviors parents and teachers should model.
Faculty Sponsor
Andrew Young, Northeastern Illinois University
Predictors of Prosocial Behavior in Preschool Children
FA-202
Prosocial behaviors such as sharing, donating, and helping, are critical for psychological well- being, healthy social relationships, and community function. The early development of prosociality during the preschool years has lasting effects into adulthood. Thus, it is critical to understand what factors are related to prosocial development. The present study asks how personality traits, motor development, empathy, and emotion regulation are related to children’s prosociality. Parents of preschool children will complete an online survey to rate their children’s prosociality, personality traits, motor development, empathy, and emotional development. We predict that increased prosocial behavior will be associated with positive personality traits, greater motor skills, high levels of empathy, and higher emotional regulation. The results of this study will contribute to our understanding of mechanisms that may support prosociality in preschool children and the types of behaviors parents and teachers should model.