prosocial

adjective

pro·​so·​cial (ˌ)prō-ˈsō-shəl 

variants or pro-social

: intended to help or benefit another person or group

The capacity to notice the distress of others, and to be moved by it, can be a critical component of what is called prosocial behavior, actions that benefit others: individuals, groups or society as a whole.

—Perri Klass

This research implies that toddlers are wired for learning pro-social behaviors, and will develop them if they are modeled in the context of a supportive relationship.

—Heather Neal

… experiences such as abuse can also prohibit people from acting in prosocial ways.

—Alia E. Dastagir

also : relating to or promoting behavior that benefits others or society

a prosocial family/group

Prosocial emotions like empathy motivate us to benefit others in our group.

—Eoin O'Carroll

… quieting fear-related memories is apparently so potent in its prosocial effects—making people friendlier, more compassionate, even more loving—that it underscores how unchecked fear memories can make people antisocial and miserable.

—Scott A. Small

Examples of prosocial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But directing excessive wealth toward prosocial goals—using it to pay for a stronger social safety net and better public resources, to mitigate climate change, or to end hunger—would help everyone feel more secure. —Christine Emba, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2024

Her research focuses on intergroup cooperation, prosocial behavior, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. —Preeti Vani, Fortune, 4 Apr. 2024

For example, humility, self-awareness, self-control, moral sensitivity, social skills, emotional intelligence, kindness, a prosocial and moral orientation, are all more likely to be found in women than men. —Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024

Studies find that nostalgia increases self-control, self-confidence, goal motivation, resilience, optimism, creativity, and prosocial behavior. —Clay Routledge, Fortune, 22 Dec. 2023

Sociopaths and psychopaths self-select as our unnatural leaders while empathic and intellectually generous candidates are excluded by a political system that favours corporate greed over prosocial actions. —Hazlitt, 27 Sep. 2023

Researchers found that sixth-graders who are friends with peers who behave in prosocial ways tend to adopt similar behaviors by eighth grade. —Phyllis Fagell, Washington Post, 28 Feb. 2023

To attract and retain the best talent, companies need to tap into the next generation’s prosocial principles and create opportunities for employees to find purpose in their day jobs. —Quartz, 9 Jan. 2023

The prosocial neural network -- the areas of the brain associated with theory of mind -- was less active after sleep deprivation, this study found. —Hafsa Khalil, CNN, 23 Aug. 2022

Word History

Etymology

pro- entry 2 + social entry 1

First Known Use

1911, in the meaning defined above