How to build a helpful baby: a look at the roots of prosociality in infancy

Abstract

The ability to show concern for others in need and distress is thought to be a vital building block for prosocial tendencies among humans. The current review shows that such other-oriented emotional processes play an important role in guiding prosocial behavior from early in development. Recent research supports the view that infants genuinely care about others in need and distress, but also that a caring continuum exists, which underpins variability in infant prosocial action. Novel methods measuring brain, pupillary, and postural responses have provided insights into affective predictors, motivators, and consequences of prosocial behavior in infants. These advances foster a more mechanistic understanding of the ontogenetic roots of prosociality and attest to infants' affective competency in engaging prosocially with others.