PsychologyAugust 30, 2026

prosocial

proh-SOH-shul

Definition

Relating to or exhibiting behavior that is intended to benefit other people or society as a whole.

Etymology

Formed by combining the prefix 'pro-' (meaning 'in favor of') with the word 'social', the term was coined in the 1960s to describe behavior that fosters social cohesion and cooperation.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe a category of positive, empathetic human characteristics that make up the 'Light Triad' of personality traits.

Emotional infidelity is linked to a surprising mix of dark and light personality traits

Read the full article ↗

PsyPost

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