Prosociality in times of separation and loss

Abstract

Humans are particularly drawn to social connections. Prosociality in times of loss and separation requires intervention designs aimed at reinforcing social bonds to help those grieving. Prosocial behaviors reinforce social support, contribute to resilience, and promote mental health, overall well-being, and quality of life. This review summarizes multidisciplinary evidence from the literature showing emerging trends in prosocial behavior, loss, and separation research with adaptive prosocial interventions to promote resilience contributing to mental well-being and quality-of-life outcomes. A summary of research findings showing the digital transformation to promote prosocial behaviors for mental well-being is provided. Finally, new and classic evidence of prosocial behaviors for adaptation and resilience in the community is discussed to promote future prosociality in loss and separation.

Keywords: Adaptive prosocial interventions; COVID-19; Digital transformation; Loss; Mental well-being; Prosociality; Quality-of-life; Resilience; Separation; Telemedicine.