Biology Forums - Study Force

Are prosocial behavior and aggressive behavior opposites?  Why or why not?  Give some examples to support your claim.

Aggression is caused by three factors: 1) instinct, 2) rewards and 3) observation/imitation. Aggression can be controlled in three ways. Catharsis can be used to "vent" anger is safe ways. These behaviours often display themselves through children's play activities. Rewarding non-aggressive behaviour also works. An aggressive child is seeking attention and if they are not rewarded with this attention and in fact see the victim being rewarded for not acting aggressively, an example of how to act prosocially is offered and aggression will subside. Cognitive training can be used to stop aggressive behaviour by simply telling a child that aggression hurts other people and makes the, unhappy, that it doesn't solve problems and that sharing and taking turns works better.

Prosocial behaviour is expressed by what is termed "empathy." During early childhood, a child ability to empathize broadens and they become better at understanding the distress of others. These behaviours include sharing, helping, care-giving and showing compassion.

Thank you.