Theories for Computing Prosocial Behavior

Nonlinear Dynamics Psychol Life Sci. 2019 Apr;23(2):297-313.

Abstract

Most relevant theories of prosocial behavior aim at exploring and understanding helping motivations from an evolutionary perspective. This article summarizes findings from research on prosocial behavior from both a socio-economic and psychological perspective. Building on literature exploring the basic processes and determinant variables of helping, we propose a stochastic and dynamic model to simulate prosocial behaviors over time and recreate evolutionary processes of helping behaviors. Such a mathematical model formalizes a procedure for dynamic simulations, including agent-based modeling, which implies non-linear dynamics of prosocial processes underlying helping motivations. Practical implications for organizations and societies are addressed.

MeSH terms

  • Helping Behavior*
  • Humans
  • Models, Psychological
  • Motivation*
  • Social Behavior*