Prosocial Behavior In Relation To Personality Traits

Prosocial Behavior In Relation To Personality Traits

Personality psychology looks at the element of personality and individual differences.  I am particularly interested in exploring the area prosocial behavior in relation to personality. Prosocial behavior refers to the actions that an individual voluntarily does so as to benefit others. Psychologists indicate that prosocial behavior is attributed to the human desire to belong to a community or a group. Psychologists such as Penner, & Schroeder, (2005) have indicated that there is a strong relation between prosocial behavior and personality traits. Personality traits such as empathy have been found to precede prosocial acts. The personality traits involved in prosocial behavior are of two dimensions. The first is the abstract form of traits that involve thoughts and feelings that give individuals a sense of responsibility leading to empathy (Penner, & Schroeder, 2005). The second dimension is self-perception in which an individual realizes the need to be a helpful and competent member of the society. These two dimensions of personality results to acts such as voluntary services. Voluntary acts do not benefit the actor but an individual or a society.

In am interested in this area of personality psychology as I desire to delve deeply on the interplay of traits on the voluntary nature of man. I desire to determine the motivation of an individual towards prosocial behavior in society. I also desire to determine whether prosocial behavior enhances positive traits or other traits such as altruism and self interest play a role in prosocial behavior. I also am determined to review whether prosocial behavior can be passed down generation as explained in the kin-selection theory, or it can be nurtured through education and the media. I have experienced acts of empathy and assistance to the society in various occurrences. When natural disasters such as Hurricanes and earth quakes occur, people turn up in large numbers to assists. Are these acts of generosity associated with an individual personality trait?

Reference

Penner, L. & Schroeder, D. (2005). Prosocial behavior. Annual review of psychology. Vol. 56:365-392

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