PsychologyJuly 13, 2026

prosociality

/ˌproʊsoʊʃiˈæləti/

Definition

Behavior that is intended to benefit others, such as cooperating, sharing, and offering support to form valuable social bonds.

Etymology

The word is a modern construction combining the Latin prefix 'pro-' (meaning 'for' or 'in favor of') and 'social' (from the Latin 'socialis', meaning 'allied' or 'companionable'). The suffix '-ity' is added to transform the concept into a noun representing the quality or tendency of behaving in a social, helpful manner.

In the news

In this article, prosociality is identified as a key trait that ancestral humans valued in potential partners to ensure successful cooperation and survival. Researchers found that people still prioritize this trait when selecting same-sex friends today.

The evolutionary reasons behind who we choose as friends

Read the full article ↗

PsyPost

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