Why Some Forms of Induction Are Better Than Others at Encouraging Prosocial Behavior

To examine the effects of different forms of induction on children's prosocial behavior, predictions were derived from self-perception theory and evaluated regarding the cognitive component of the induction and the manipulation of choice. The affective valence of inductive appeals also was exam...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Merrill-Palmer Quarterly 1995-07, Vol.41 (3), p.347-360
Main Authors: McGrath, Marianne P., Wilson, Steven R., Frassetto, Sandra J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adults
Behavior Patterns
Biological and medical sciences
Child
Child care
Child development
Child psychology
Childhood Attitudes
Children
Cognitive Processes
Developmental psychology
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Happiness
Induction
Internalization
Personality Traits
Prosocial Behavior
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychology. Psychophysiology
RESEARCH REPORTS
Self Concept
Self perception theory
Social Behavior
Social Development
Socialization
Toys
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Summary:To examine the effects of different forms of induction on children's prosocial behavior, predictions were derived from self-perception theory and evaluated regarding the cognitive component of the induction and the manipulation of choice. The affective valence of inductive appeals also was examined. Boys and girls (n = 80) at ages 7 and 8 years were randomly assigned to a 2 (Adult or Peer Beneficiary, as focus of induction) × 2 (Low or High Choice) × 2 (Positive or Negative Affect) factorial design. Beneficiary-oriented induction produced more internalized prosocial behavior than did adult-oriented induction under conditions of high choice. Affectively positive appeals were more effective than negative appeals across conditions. The findings, which were consistent with self-perception theory, help clarify when induction encourages internalized prosocial behavior.
ISSN:0272-930X
1535-0266