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The Influencing Factors of Prosociality: How Humans Cooperate with Others

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A special issue of Behavioral Sciences (ISSN 2076-328X). This special issue belongs to the section "Social Psychology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 17080

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Dingguo Gao

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Guest Editor

Department of Psychology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
Interests: social cognition; cognitive neural mechanisms of social support; emotion regulation; social networks; applied cooperative behavior; foreign language learning

Dr. Lijun Yin

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Guest Editor

Department of Psychology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
Interests: the neural mechanisms of deception; moral judgment and decision making

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Welcome to this Special Issue on the influencing factors of human prosociality, with particular focus accorded to cooperation and social cognition. In this collection, we aim to delve into the cognitive and neural aspects that drive our inclination to cooperate with others and engage in altruistic actions.

Humans, as inherently social beings, are guided by a complex interplay of factors that shape their collaborative and empathetic behaviors. This Special Issue assembles articles and studies that explore the intricate dynamics of prosocial behavior, shedding light on key elements such as altruistic motivations, other-regarding preferences, emotions, individual influences, and social networks, among others. We would like to not only highlight the nuanced connections between cooperation and social cognition but also explore the mechanisms and psychological consequences behind these connections.

We invite you to immerse yourself in the exploration of the dynamics of altruistic behavior, including cognitive and neural dynamics such as altruistic motives; preferences for external attention; pro-social emotions; and the influences of individual, social, and cultural factors on our innate drive to cooperate and understand others. To the experts who would like to contribute to this Special Issue, we express our sincerest gratitude in advance.

Prof. Dr. Dingguo Gao
Dr. Lijun Yin
Guest Editors

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Keywords

altruistic behavior
cooperation
social cognition
empathy
altruism
cultural norms
interpersonal relationships
neural mechanisms
preferences for others' attention
prosocial emotion
social networks

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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19 pages, 398 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Longitudinal Analysis of the Relationship Between Self-Determined Motivation and Prosocial Orientation of Volunteer Tourists: The Mediating Role of Identity Processing Styles in Young Adults

by Liyuan Zhang and Anmin Huang

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 588; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050588 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2025

Viewed by 150

Abstract

The motivational dimensions of volunteer tourists have been a focal point of scholarly debate, closely aligning with their prosocial orientations. Limited attention has been given to examining these relationships through the lens of identity formation among young tourists. To address this gap, this study conducted a two-wave longitudinal investigation into the linkage between volunteer tourists’ self-determined motivation and their prosocial orientation, with identity processing styles serving as a mediator. The sample (n = 291) consisted of freshmen and sophomores participating in a volunteer teaching program during the summer of 2024. We measured the variables of interest both before and after their attendance. In addition to direct effects, our findings observed two significant indirect pathways: (1) Wave 1 autonomous motivation was positively associated with an informational identity style at Wave 1, which predicted Wave 2 other-oriented helping tendency; and (2) Wave 1 controlled motivation was positively related to a normative identity style at Wave 1, which accounted for self-oriented helping propensity at Wave 2. Furthermore, the first relationship was uni-directional, as the coefficient for the reverse pathway (i.e., Wave 1 other-oriented helping → Wave 1 informational identity style → Wave 2 autonomous motivation) was not significant. In contrast, the second relationship was bi-directional, wherein Wave 1 self-oriented helping was positively associated with a normative identity style at Wave 1, which subsequently predicted Wave 2 controlled motivation. Taken together, our study contributes to the literature on altruistic motives, prosocial behavior, identity development, and volunteer tourism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Influencing Factors of Prosociality: How Humans Cooperate with Others)

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17 pages, 965 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Social Representations of Formal Volunteers and Spontaneous Volunteers in Socio-Natural Disaster Risk Management Contexts

by Matías Peña-Garay, José Sandoval-Díaz and David Cuadra-Martínez

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 497; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15040497 - 9 Apr 2025

Viewed by 334

Abstract

Background: Citizenship plays a fundamental role in the management of socio-natural disaster risk, especially given the increasing impact and frequency of these events. In this context, disaster response is marked by both formal and spontaneous volunteerism. Method: Using a non-probabilistic sample of 101 volunteers and comparing the social representation of formal volunteers with spontaneous volunteers, prototypical and categorical analyses of social representations were conducted. Results: Differences were identified between formal volunteers, whose social representation reflects a strong value-oriented and collaborative vision focused on social capital, and spontaneous volunteers, whose social representation is directed toward prosocial values, emotions, and the heroic actions associated with volunteerism. Conclusions: New avenues are proposed for exercising and strengthening formal volunteerism, accompanied by processes that enable the identification of common value axes and suitability for risk-related work. Additionally, the motivations and actions of spontaneous volunteers are discussed. Finally, sustained coordination is proposed among institutions involved in risk management, formal volunteers, and spontaneous volunteers to optimize human resource management in emergencies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Influencing Factors of Prosociality: How Humans Cooperate with Others)

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12 pages, 1085 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Empathy on Prosocial Behavior Among College Students: The Mediating Role of Moral Identity and the Moderating Role of Sense of Security

by Li Peng, Yu Jiang, Jing Ye and Zhiheng Xiong

Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(11), 1024; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14111024 - 1 Nov 2024

Viewed by 2923

Abstract

To investigate the impact of empathy on prosocial behavior and the underlying psychological mechanisms among college students, this study surveyed 840 participants using the Empathy Scale, the Prosocial behavior Scale, the Moral Identity Scale, and the Sense of Security Scale. The results revealed that (1) empathy significantly and positively predicted prosocial behavior among college students; (2) moral identity partially mediated the relationship between empathy and prosocial behavior; (3) a sense of security moderated the relationship between moral identity and prosocial behavior. These findings offer important theoretical and practical implications, enriching the theoretical framework and providing educators and students with valuable guidance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Influencing Factors of Prosociality: How Humans Cooperate with Others)

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18 pages, 1607 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cooperativeness as a Personality Trait and Its Impact on Cooperative Behavior in Young East Asian Adults Who Synchronized in Casual Conversations

by Xiaoqi Deng, Sarinasadat Hosseini, Yoshihiro Miyake and Takayuki Nozawa

Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(11), 987; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14110987 - 24 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1400

Abstract

Cooperation is essential in social life, involving collaborative efforts for mutual benefits. Individual differences in the cooperativeness trait are pivotal in these interactions. A single-group pretest–posttest design was used in this study to determine if Duchenne smiling with gaze and inter-brain synchrony (IBS) during conversation mediates the relationship between cooperativeness and cooperative behavior. The relationships among the variables were examined using mediation analysis and path analysis. We hypothesized that Duchenne smiling with gaze would mediate cooperativeness’ impact on cooperative behavior, while expecting IBS in the left prefrontal region to predict cooperative behavior. The results demonstrated that cooperativeness significantly predicted Duchenne smiling with gaze and cooperative behavior; however, Duchenne smiling with gaze did not mediate the relationship between them. Additionally, IBS during conversation did not predict successive cooperative behavior. These results suggest dispositional factors like cooperativeness may play a more decisive role than momentary expressional cues or neural synchrony in naturalistic unstructured communication in shaping cooperative behavioral outcomes after the communication. The study highlights how personality traits like cooperativeness shape nonverbal communication and social interactions, implying that interventions aimed at developing cooperativeness could lead to more effective collaboration in social settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Influencing Factors of Prosociality: How Humans Cooperate with Others)

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14 pages, 221 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Classification of Altruism Forms South Korean Coaches’ Perspective

by Namki Lee and Yucheon Kim

Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 802; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14090802 - 11 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1051

Abstract

Altruism is an important element that enables coaches to achieve their clients’ coaching goals. Using Q methodology, which enables the examination of individuals’ subjectivity, this study investigated South Korean coaches’ perceptions of altruism. Through a literature review, interviews, and surveys, 204 statements were collected from the Q population, and 40 statements were selected to form Q Samples. P samples were organized with 31 coaches registered with the Korea Coach Association, and principal component factor analysis using the Quanl program was applied to assess the data. Based on the results of this study, South Korean coaches’ perceptions of altruism were sorted into four types: type 1, ‘a perception type that considers altruism to lead to respect for the client’s presence’; type 2, ‘a perception type that considers altruism to be meaningful when practiced’; type 3, ‘a perception type that considers altruism is a mindset that leads to the development of happiness’; and type 4, ‘a perception type that considers altruism to be a basic attitude that coaches should have’. The results of this study will further clarify coaches’ perceptions of altruism, enabling them to receive the necessary training, develop their character, and achieve inner maturity. This, in turn, will help them improve their attitudes towards clients and further enhance their ethics and professionalism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Influencing Factors of Prosociality: How Humans Cooperate with Others)

20 pages, 2578 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Asymmetric Adaption in Social Learning: Understanding the Dilemma of Competition and Cooperation

by Siying Li, Yulong Huang, Cheng Xu, Jie Wu and Chen Qu

Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(8), 721; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14080721 - 16 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1156

Abstract

The constant challenge in social interactions involves making informed decisions in the face of competitive and cooperative dilemmas. The decision-making process can be influenced by various factors present in the social context. According to the behavior-pattern-categorization framework of information acquisition, potential biases may develop at all stages of decision-making as information about social context is progressively entered and integrated. In this study, employing the Chicken Game, we investigated the influence of varying information levels within the behavior-pattern-categorization framework (i.e., competitiveness of behavior choice, uncertainty of behavior pattern, and sociality of category) on decision-making in the dilemma of competition and cooperation. Combined with reinforcement learning models, our findings from three experiments showed that participants exhibited basic complementary behavior, becoming less competitive against highly competitive opponents and vice versa. Notably, individuals exhibited varying adaptation rates to different levels of opponent competitiveness and fluctuations. Specifically, participants adapted slower to highly competitive opponents and faster to cooperative opponents. This asymmetric adaptation in social learning is related to the rate at which various levels of information are updated. The current study disentangles the different levels of information acquisition and highlights the asymmetric processing that can occur during the updating of information within each level. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Influencing Factors of Prosociality: How Humans Cooperate with Others)

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11 pages, 800 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Familiarity Determines Whether Accent Affects Attitudes and Behaviors of the Listener

by Zenghu Cheng, Yugui She, Junjun Fu and Wenming Xu

Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(6), 430; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14060430 - 22 May 2024

Viewed by 1330

Abstract

Previous research found that accents cause the listener to exhibit prejudice toward the speaker. The present study tested whether the familiarity of the listener and speaker moderated this effect. Study 1 tested this question in a simulated recruit scenario and found that participants were less likely to recruit candidates with an accent, but this effect existed only when the candidate was a stranger to the interviewer, not when the candidate was an acquaintance. Study 2 retested this question in a scenario of talking one-on-one and also found that the effect of accent existed only when they were strangers, not when they were acquaintances. Both studies suggested that the effect of accent on the attitude and behavior of the listener vanished when the speaker and listener were familiar with each other. This work offers insights for understanding the effect of accent on social interaction from the perspective of the familiarity of the speaker and listener and reveals the moderated role of familiarity in the dynamic of the effect of accent. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Influencing Factors of Prosociality: How Humans Cooperate with Others)

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20 pages, 828 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Can Positive Social Contact Encourage Residents’ Community Citizenship Behavior? The Role of Personal Benefit, Sympathetic Understanding, and Place Identity

by Yaxi Wang, Bo Wu, Jiaqi Li, Qing Yuan and Nan Chen

Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(4), 307; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14040307 - 10 Apr 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1943

Abstract

Identified as an increasingly pivotal aspect, the benevolent extra-role characteristic of community citizenship behavior contributes to destination development efficiency and social cohesion. Based on the egoistic–altruistic motivation framework, this study investigated three motivations that propel residents to exercise community citizenship behaviors in a positive social contact context, namely self-focused, other-focused, and place-focused motivation. A conceptual model combined with positive contact, personal benefit, sympathetic understanding, place identity, and community citizenship behavior was developed and tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) through data from 366 residents in Kaifeng, China. The findings showed that of the three motivations for community citizenship behaviors, place identity contributed the most, and personal benefits failed to predict community citizenship behaviors. Furthermore, sympathetic understanding with tourists was most fostered by residents from the perception of positive contact with tourists. These findings offer a novel theoretical framework for scholarly investigation and provide practical insights for tourism managers regarding strategies to influence residents’ community citizenship behavior. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Influencing Factors of Prosociality: How Humans Cooperate with Others)

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16 pages, 728 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Crime by Any Other Name: Gender Differences in Moral Reasoning When Judging the Tax Evasion of Cryptocurrency Traders

by Jori Grym, Jaakko Aspara, Monomita Nandy and Suman Lodh

Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(3), 198; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14030198 - 1 Mar 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2433

Abstract

Tax evasion is a major issue for authorities worldwide. Understanding the factors that influence individuals’ intrinsic motivation to pay taxes, known as their tax morale, is important for improving tax compliance. This study investigated gender differences in judging tax evasion in the context of cryptocurrency trading. Specifically, a survey study explored whether different moral foundations, financial literacies, and political orientations among females vs. males might explain potential gender differences in judging tax evasion. In an online survey, 243 U.S. adults read a vignette about a friend evading taxes in a cryptocurrency trading context. In a correlational analysis, we found that females judged tax evasion harsher, as being more morally wrong than males. Of the psychographic factors, only individualizing moral foundation values (i.e., fairness and harm avoidance) explained the harsher moral judgment by females. That is, individualizing moral foundation values were at a higher level among females, which further predicted females’ harsher judgment of tax evasion. While females also had, on average, lower financial literacy and knowledge of cryptocurrencies than males, these did not predict their harsher judgment of tax evasion. The findings contribute to research on gender differences in moral judgments and highlight that a given transgression, or a specific crime, may violate different moral values in men and women. The results demonstrate to policy makers that it is important to take into account gender differences, in campaigns promoting tax morale and compliance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Influencing Factors of Prosociality: How Humans Cooperate with Others)

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19 pages, 756 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Greek Jefferson Scale of Empathy—Medical Student Version (JSE-S): Psychometric Properties and Its Associated Factors

by Polychronis Voultsos, Petros Galanis, Marianna-Foteini A. Dafni, Venetia-Sofia Velonaki, Georgia-Neta Andreou and Leda Kovatsi

Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(3), 195; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14030195 - 28 Feb 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2545

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Greek version of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy—Student version (JSE-S) and its association with potential predictors among Greek-speaking undergraduate medical students. This study adopted a cross-sectional, comparative–descriptive research design. The study was conducted during October and November 2023. Cronbach’s α values for the JSE-S and the factors “perspective taking”, “compassionate care”, and “standing in the patient’s shoes” showed internal consistency. The intraclass correlation coefficient for the JSE-S score in the test–retest study indicated a high level of reliability. The participants showed moderate empathy levels. Females scored higher than males in the Greek version of the JSE-S. Moreover, students enrolled in the fourth academic year showed higher empathy mean scores than those enrolled in the first year. Statistically significant empathy differences by specialty preferences or faith in God/supreme power were not found. The present study provided satisfactory evidence that the Greek JSE-S is a psychometrically sound measurement instrument. Empathy differences by gender were found in line with prior literature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Influencing Factors of Prosociality: How Humans Cooperate with Others)

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12 pages, 1714 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Beauty Is Not Always a Perk: The Role of Attractiveness and Social Interest in Trust Decisions

by Junchen Shang and Yizhuo Zhang

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(2), 175; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15020175 - 7 Feb 2025

Viewed by 785

Abstract

This study examined the impact of males’ facial and vocal attractiveness, as well as social interest in females’ decision-making in a trust game. The results showed that trustees with attractive faces or expressing positive social interest were more likely to receive initial investments. Trustees with attractive voices also received more initial investments than unattractive ones in most conditions, except when they had attractive faces and positive interest. Moreover, participants reinvest in trustees with attractive faces or voices, even if they withheld repayment. However, trustees with positive interest would receive more reinvestment only when they reciprocated. In addition, trusters expressing positive social interest were expected to invest and earn repayment at higher rates. Nonetheless, trusters with attractive faces (or voices) were only expected to invest at higher rates when they had attractive voices (or faces) and negative interest. These findings suggest that beauty premium is modulated by participants’ roles, such that the effect of beauty would be stronger when participants encounter trustees rather than trusters. Positive social interest is a perk in most conditions, except when trustees withheld repayment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Influencing Factors of Prosociality: How Humans Cooperate with Others)

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