Pathways for engaging in prosocial behavior in adolescence

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Abstract

Adolescent development is often regarded as a period of social sensitivities, given that brain development continues into the early 20s in interplay with social experiences. In this review, we present adolescence as a unique window for prosocial development; that is, behavior that benefits others. We present evidence for multiple pathways of neural sensitivity that contribute to key developmental processes related to prosocial behaviors, including valuing, perspective taking, and goal-flexibility. Yet, these processes are dependent on several contextual factors including recipients, audience effects, and strategic motivations. Next, we present intervention findings suggesting that prosocial experiences within these various contexts are crucial for adolescents developing into engaged and contributing members of society. These findings suggest a new interpretation of the elevated socio-affective sensitivity and emerging socio-cognitive development in adolescence, focusing on opportunities rather than risks.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)149-190
Number of pages42
JournalAdvances in Child Development and Behavior
Volume63
Early online date14 May 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright: © 2022 Elsevier Inc.

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