This study compared three models for predicting altruistic behavior. The helping behavior (donating blood) of 251 undergraduate students was examined as a function of intention (model I), norms and ascription of responsibility (model II), and attitudes and self-monitoring (model III). (CM)

Three kinds of prosocial behavior (helping, sharing, and comforting) were studied in experimental and natural settings, in 108 children ages 3 to 7 1/2. (BRT)

This paper reviews literature on conceptualizations of empathy, examining (1) whether empathetic response is an understanding or sharing of affect; (2) whether empathetic response is a response to an object, another's affect, and/or circumstance; (3) which mechanisms explain empathy; and (4) whether various definitions of empathy require…

In a study of charitable behavior, 187 kindergarten through sixth grade Caucasian boys and girls were given the opportunity to share candy with children (1) described as similar to them, (2) with children described as dissimilar and needy, or (3) with both. (BD)

When second- through fifth-grade learning disabled (N=24) and nonhandicapped (N=24) boys were shown four hypothetical social situations and then interviewed about social interaction goals and strategies, the learning-disabled students were found to perform with less social competence and at lower developmental levels than nonhandicapped peers in…

Results from this study confirmed the hypotheses that child rearing styles characterized by acceptance, a nonauthoritarian approach to punishment, and identification of the child with the parent related to high levels of adult ego development 22 years later. (PCB)

Children's restrictive disclosure to friends, which is a facet of intimate friendship, was investigated. It was found that children in kindergarten, second, and fourth grade showed restrictive disclosure to friends, and that greater disclosure of positive personal information to friends than to nonfriends was exhibited with age. (PCB)

Describes a study of the prosocial atmosphere and citizenship spirit found at Alex Taylor Community School in Edmonton, Canada. Includes a brief background of the project and a description of several motivating citizenship activities within the school. (BSR)

Organizes and critically reviews recent research relevant to classroom approaches for fostering prosocial behavior in early childhood. Conceptualizes seven of these, such as positive reinforcement and role-playing, and finds some support for the effectiveness of certain approaches. Offers suggestions for future research. (Author/GEA)

This article focuses on social skills in which there is a disparity between male and female performance, including leadership, self-confidence, emotional sensitivity, empathy, and prosocial behaviors. Guidelines for educators to use in helping students overcome sex bias are offered. (MT)

Eisenberg's prosocial moral reasoning interview, adapted to the setting, was administered to members of a small-scale, traditional, collectivistically oriented society. The sample consisted of 69 elementary school children, 8 adolescents, and 24 adults from the Maisin people. Results of the study support the idea that moral reasoning patterns…

Evaluated the effects of cognitive-behavioral problem-solving skills training (PSST) and nondirective relationship therapy (RT) for the treatment of antisocial child behavior. Revealed that a significantly higher proportion of PSST children, compared with those in other conditions, fell within the normative range for prosocial behavior at…

Social strategies and expectations as components of social competence were examined. Results indicated that high-competent subjects reported more original (not prompted) positive strategies, and more cognitions. Low-competent subjects made more negative statements when describing the dyad they had formed with the confederate, and were more…

The behaviors of 57 mothers, their preschool-age children, and their infants were observed using a modified "strange situation" to explore the older siblings' potential to act as subsidiary attachment figures. Gamelike tasks were used to assess the conceptual perspective-taking abilities of the older children. (Author/RH)

Investigated the effects of self-perceptions on the donating behavior of 43 fourth-grade students who had two opportunities to donate gum to another class. Students who received feedback after the first donation period indicating that they were particularly generous subsequently gave more than children in the control group. (JAC)