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Pollerhoff L, Reindel DF, Kanske P, Li SC, Reiter AMF. Age differences in prosociality across the adult lifespan: A meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 165:105843. [PMID: 39111722 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
Lifespan developmental theories and research suggest a positive effect of adult age on prosociality. However, this effect lacks consistency, with many studies excluding the period of midlife. This study summarized cross-sectional studies on adult age and prosociality, combining 120 (independent) samples (n = 103,829) in a lifespan meta-analysis approach. Linear and quadratic age effects on prosociality were analyzed, as well as comparisons between younger, middle-aged, and older adults. Prosociality was assessed via behavioral measures and self-reports. In both these domains, results indicated small linear age effects and higher prosociality in older compared to younger adults, supporting the hypothesis of increased prosociality in older age. Additionally, leveraging open data sets (64/120 independent samples), predominantly unpublished, we found some evidence for potential quadratic age effects on behavioral prosociality: Middle-aged adults exhibited higher behavioral and self-reported prosociality than younger adults, but no differences between middle-aged and older adults were observed. This meta-analysis offers new perspectives on age trajectories of prosociality, suggesting midlife as a potentially important phase of pronounced prosociality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Pollerhoff
- Lifespan Developmental Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - David F Reindel
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Kanske
- Clinical Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Shu-Chen Li
- Lifespan Developmental Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Centre for Tactile Internet with Human-in-the-Loop, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Andrea M F Reiter
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany; Department of Psychology, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany; German Centre of Prevention Research on Mental Health, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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Makani A, Chowdhury S, Flora DB, Spaniol J. A pandemic-related affect gap in risky decisions for self and others. Cogn Emot 2024:1-16. [PMID: 39287325 DOI: 10.1080/02699931.2024.2404635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 09/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
The early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic exposed large portions of the global populations to increased daily stressors. Research on risky choice in medical contexts suggests that affect-rich choice options promote less-advantageous decision strategies compared with affect-poor options, causing an "affect gap" in decision making. The current experiments (total N = 437, age range: 21-82) sought to test whether negative pandemic-related affect would lower expected-value (EV) maximisation within individuals. In Experiment 1, participants indicated how much they would be willing to pay to avoid specific pandemic experiences (e.g. "not being able to gather in groups"), and then chose among pairs of risky prospects that involved pandemic experiences or subjectively-equivalent monetary losses. EV maximising was lower for pandemic experiences than for equivalent monetary losses. Experiment 2 replicated this finding, and further demonstrated a moderating role of decision perspective. EV maximising was greater in decisions made for another person than in decisions made for oneself. These findings highlight potential strategies for boosting decision making under affect-rich real-world conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aalim Makani
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Sadia Chowdhury
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada
| | - David B Flora
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Julia Spaniol
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada
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Li D, Cao Y, Hui BPH, Shum DHK. Are Older Adults More Prosocial Than Younger Adults? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2024; 64:gnae082. [PMID: 38963814 PMCID: PMC11322677 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnae082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Prosociality refers to voluntary behaviors that intend to benefit others. Most of the existing literature suggests that older adults tend to act more prosocially compared to younger adults, whereas some studies show that older adults might not be that prosocial under certain conditions. The current study aimed to summarize the mixed findings and quantify the age difference in prosociality by conducting a qualitative systematic review and a quantitative meta-analysis. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Literature search was conducted based on 5 databases. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed and this review was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42022333373). RESULTS Based on the qualitative synthesis of 51 studies, older adults (n = 109,911) were more prosocial than younger adults (n = 68,501). The meta-analysis of 46 studies further supported this age effect (Hedges' g = 0.31, 95% confidence interval [0.24, 0.37]), and this age effect might be moderated by the types of prosociality. We discovered a moderate age effect in sharing (Hedges' g = 0.53), but a nonsignificant age effect in helping (Hedges' g = 0.11), comforting (Hedges' g = -0.20), or mixed prosociality (Hedges' g = 0.15). Additionally, the age effect was only significant when older adults had higher socioeconomic status than younger adults. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS Future research should develop more comprehensive measures of prosociality, examine more variables that influence aging and prosociality, and investigate the neural mechanism(s) of prosociality to achieve a thorough understanding of the age difference in prosociality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duo Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yuan Cao
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Bryant P H Hui
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - David H K Shum
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
- Research Institute for Smart Ageing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
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Lee CG, Chu J, Mao R, Kim H, Lee EY, Park S, Kim T. Applying a deterrence nudge strategy for promoting stair usage in a university setting. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:2195. [PMID: 39138467 PMCID: PMC11321217 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19592-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to examine whether indirectly deterring elevator use through time-targeted Point-of-Decision Prompts (PODPs) efficiently increased stair usage in a university setting. METHODS A quasi-experimental design (pre-post design) was employed over 2 weeks in September 2023. Baseline observations were conducted for 1 week prior to signage placement at two locations. The intervention in this study lasted for 1 week, immediately following baseline observations. Three hundred and thirty-one and 384 participants were observed during the baseline and intervention periods, respectively. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the increase in the act of ascending the stairs. RESULTS Our intervention, which focused on time-related messages, effectively increased stair usage among university students (coefficient = 0.435, p-value < 0.01). Furthermore, females (coefficient = -0.820, p-value < 0.05) and individuals aged ≥ 30 years (coefficient = 1.048, p-value < 0.01) were notably more likely to be influenced by our intervention than males and individuals aged < 30 years. CONCLUSION Indirectly discouraging elevator use through time-targeted PODPs may amplify the effects of the previously employed time-related messages. Our findings suggested that a deterrence nudge should primarily be directed towards promoting stair usage among females or individuals aged ≥ 30 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung Gun Lee
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education. 71-1, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Sport Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyeon Chu
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education. 71-1, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Ruoqi Mao
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education. 71-1, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Hansol Kim
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education. 71-1, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Young Lee
- Department of Gender Studies, School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Seiyeong Park
- Institute of Sport Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Taeeung Kim
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education. 71-1, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
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Maalouly E, Yamazaki R, Nishio S, Nørskov M, Kamaga K, Komai S, Chiba K, Atsumi K, Akao KI. The effect of conversation on altruism: A comparative study with different media and generations. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301769. [PMID: 38875175 PMCID: PMC11178171 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the overwhelming evidence of climate change and its effects on future generations, most individuals are still hesitant to make environmental changes that would especially benefit future generations. In this study, we investigate whether dialogue can influence people's altruistic behavior toward future generations of humans, and how it may be affected by participant age and the appearance of the conversation partner. We used a human, an android robot called Telenoid, and a speaker as representatives of future generations. Participants were split among an old age group and a young age group and were randomly assigned to converse with one of the aforementioned representatives. We asked the participants to play a round of the Dictator Game with the representative they were assigned, followed by an interactive conversation and another round of the Dictator Game in order to gauge their level of altruism. The results show that, on average, participants gave more money after having an interactive conversation, and that older adults tend to give more money than young adults. There were no significant differences between the three representatives. The results show that empathy might have been the most important factor in the increase in altruistic behavior for all participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elie Maalouly
- Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ryuji Yamazaki
- Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shuichi Nishio
- Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Marco Nørskov
- Department for Philosophy and the History of Ideas, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Kohei Kamaga
- Faculty of Economics, Sophia University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shoji Komai
- Faculty of Engineering, International Professional University of Technology in Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Chiba
- School of Social Sciences, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Ken-Ichi Akao
- School of Social Sciences, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
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Ebner NC, Horta M, El-Shafie D. New directions for studying the aging social-cognitive brain. Curr Opin Psychol 2024; 56:101768. [PMID: 38104362 PMCID: PMC10939782 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The study of social cognition has extended across the lifespan with a recent special focus on the impacts of aging on the social-cognitive brain. This review summarizes current knowledge on social perception, theory of mind, empathy, and social behavior from a social-cognitive neuroscience of aging perspective and identifies new directions for studying the aging social-cognitive brain. These new directions highlight the need for (i) standardized operationalization and analysis of social-cognitive constructs; (ii) use of naturalistic paradigms to enhance ecological validity of social-cognitive measures; (iii) application of repeated assessments via single-N designs for robust delineation of social-cognitive processes in the aging brain; (iv) increased representation of vulnerable aging populations in social-cognitive brain research to enhance diversity, promote generalizability, and allow for cross-population comparisons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie C Ebner
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Institute on Aging, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Marilyn Horta
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Dalia El-Shafie
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Ramezani T, Zanjari N, Rafiey H, Delbari A. Iranian community-dwelling older adults' perceptions of prosociality: A qualitative study. JOURNAL OF EDUCATION AND HEALTH PROMOTION 2024; 13:99. [PMID: 38726078 PMCID: PMC11081440 DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_213_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The world population is aging at an accelerating rate, and prosociality aspects increase in people with age. This study aimed to explore Iranian community-dwelling older adults' perspectives of the prosociality concept. MATERIALS AND METHODS This qualitative study was conducted among older adults aged 60 years and older in Qom City, Iran. A purposive sampling method was used to collect data between July and October 2022. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 older adults engaged in various types of prosocial activities. Data were analyzed applying a directed content analysis approach. All interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded using MAXQDA 20 software. RESULTS Overall, 5 main categories and 19 subcategories emerged from the content data analysis. The two emerged categories were related to the predetermined dimensions of the prosociality concept, namely, "prosocial behaviors" and "prosocial dispositions." The remaining three newly emerged categories included "egocentric motives," "facilitators," and "barriers" to prosocial behaviors. As participants reported, "informal spontaneous helping" was the most prevalent subcategory of prosocial behaviors. "Prosocial norms" and "social reward-seeking" were identified as the most common subcategories of prosocial dispositions and egocentric motives, respectively. Likewise, participants mentioned "religious and metaphysic beliefs" and "social distrust" as important facilitators and barriers, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The results of this qualitative study provide a new understanding of the prosociality concept among older adults in the context of Iran. In conclusion, to improve prosocial behaviors in this population, the interaction between all factors that influence it such as motives, facilitators, and barriers must be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahereh Ramezani
- Department of Aging, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasibeh Zanjari
- Iranian Research Centre on Aging, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hassan Rafiey
- Department of Social Welfare Management, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Delbari
- Department of Aging, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Iranian Research Centre on Aging, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Ryan AD, Campbell KL. Time spent imagining does not influence younger and older adults' episodic simulation of helping behavior. NEUROPSYCHOLOGY, DEVELOPMENT, AND COGNITION. SECTION B, AGING, NEUROPSYCHOLOGY AND COGNITION 2024:1-18. [PMID: 38461431 DOI: 10.1080/13825585.2024.2327677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Shared cognitive processes underlie our ability to remember the past (i.e., episodic memory) and imagine the future (i.e., episodic simulation) and age-related declines in episodic memory are also noted when simulating future scenarios. Given older adults' reduced cognitive control and protracted memory retrieval time, we examined whether imposing time limits on episodic simulation of future helping scenarios affects younger and older adults' willingness to help, phenomenological experience, and the type of details produced. Relative to a control task, episodic simulation increased younger and older participants' willingness to help, scene vividness, and perspective-taking regardless of the time spent imagining future helping scenarios. Notably, time spent imagining influenced the number, but not proportion of internal details produced, suggesting that participants' use of episodic-like information remained consistent regardless of the time they spent imagining. The present findings highlight the importance of collecting phenomenological experience when assessing episodic simulation abilities across the lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Dawn Ryan
- Department of Psychology, Brock University, St. Catharines, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Acadia University, Wolfville, Canada
| | - Karen L Campbell
- Department of Psychology, Brock University, St. Catharines, Canada
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Shorey S, Tam TC, Thilagamangai, Mathews J, Lim SH, Shi L, Chua JS, Chan YH, Law E, Chee C, Chong YS. 'Been there, experienced that': A qualitative study on the experiences and perceptions of online peer volunteers in supporting Singaporean mothers at risk of depression. J Adv Nurs 2024; 80:1072-1083. [PMID: 37706224 DOI: 10.1111/jan.15867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Online peer support is a useful source of support for parents during the perinatal period, associated with improved psychological outcomes. Past research has found that peer support providers themselves gain from providing peer support as well, making it mutually beneficial. As current maternity care services are insufficient to meet the support needs of parents, the Supportive Parenting App (SPA) intervention was developed to offer them informational, appraisal and emotional support during the perinatal period. It consists of mobile health application-based educational support and online peer support provided by trained peer volunteers, to prevent the development of postnatal depression. OBJECTIVE To explore the experiences of peer volunteers with providing online peer support to parents during the perinatal period, as well as to identify areas of improvement for the SPA intervention. METHODS A qualitative descriptive design was adopted. This study took place from October 2020 to August 2021 in two tertiary public healthcare institutions in Singapore. A total of 18 peer volunteers were invited for individual semi-structured interviews. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim, and thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. RESULTS Four themes were emerged as follows: (1) 'Being there': Reminiscing about and healing of own postnatal depression experience; (2) Building rapport with parents; (3) Parents in mind: Mutual sharing of knowledge and how to support new parents better; (4) Ensuring good quality peer support. CONCLUSIONS The peer volunteers felt that their experience was fulfilling and healing. Frequent contact, sharing of SPA resources and self-disclosure were found to help engage the new parents and build rapport between peer volunteers and parents. Challenges described by the peer volunteers have identified possible areas in which the SPA intervention can be improved. IMPLICATIONS FOR CARE Communication between peer program facilitators, managers and peer volunteers can be enhanced to ensure that peer volunteers are more sensitive and precise when providing support or information. This can improve rapport building between parents and peer volunteers, which will in turn maximize the benefits that parents can reap through online peer-to-peer support. IMPACT This study explored the perceptions of peer volunteers who provided online peer support to parents across the perinatal period. Peer volunteers felt that the SPA intervention was meaningful and that providing peer support was a healing experience. They were able to learn about the experiences of other mothers with postpartum depression while sharing their own past experiences. Thus, both parents and peer volunteers can benefit from engaging in online peer support programs. Technology-based interventions like the Supportive Parenting App (SPA) can be a suitable complement to maternity care services by providing parents access to medically accurate information and social support. Additionally, more experienced mothers can engage in fulfilling experiences through volunteering for new mothers who may benefit from informational, appraisal and emotional support. REPORTING METHOD This study follows the reporting guidelines as stated by the Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) checklist. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION Parents and peer volunteers contributed ideas that aided with the design of the mobile app. Many topics added to the educational materials were suggested by these parents as well. WHAT DOES THIS PAPER CONTRIBUTE TO THE WIDER GLOBAL CLINICAL COMMUNITY?: This study showed that sufficient training can be provided to lay peer volunteers to help them support other parents, buffering the pressure exerted on the healthcare industry due to the rising demand for healthcare services. The provision of such support is also beneficial for the peer volunteers themselves, as they find it meaningful and educational. Program developers of parenting and peer volunteering interventions can draw on the findings of this study to improve the effectiveness of these programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shefaly Shorey
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Level 2, Clinical Research Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Thiam Chye Tam
- Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Thilagamangai
- Division of Nursing, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jancy Mathews
- National University Polyclinics, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Luming Shi
- Singapore Clinical Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jing Shi Chua
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Level 2, Clinical Research Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yiong Huak Chan
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Level 2, Clinical Research Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Evelyn Law
- National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Yap Seng Chong
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, NUHS Tower Block, Level 11, Singapore, Singapore
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Mayr U, Rohovit T, Freund AM. Increases in prosociality across adulthood: The pure-altruism hypothesis. Curr Opin Psychol 2024; 55:101782. [PMID: 38160572 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
A growing body of research suggests that prosocial behavior increases across adulthood. Yet, whether these age differences reflect "pure altruistic" or selfish motives, or the developmental mechanisms that underlie them, are largely unknown. Within a value-based decision framework, pure altruistic tendencies can be measured and distinguished from impure altruistic motives through neural-level information. Indeed, age differences in donations appear to be driven by a genuine concern for the well-being of others. Candidate mechanisms behind such pure altruistic changes need to show documented age differences and evidence of causal links to prosocial behavior. As examples, we discuss how three factors that meet these criteria--social norms, mood, and cognitive functioning--might explain age differences in pure altruistic tendencies.
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Bas LM, Roberts ID, Hutcherson C, Tusche A. A neurocomputational account of the link between social perception and social action. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.10.02.560256. [PMID: 37873074 PMCID: PMC10592872 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.02.560256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
People selectively help others based on perceptions of their merit or need. Here, we develop a neurocomputational account of how these social perceptions translate into social choice. Using a novel fMRI social perception task, we show that both merit and need perceptions recruited the brain's social inference network. A behavioral computational model identified two non-exclusive mechanisms underlying variance in social perceptions: a consistent tendency to perceive others as meritorious/needy (bias) and a propensity to sample and integrate normative evidence distinguishing high from low merit/need in other people (sensitivity). Variance in people's merit (but not need) bias and sensitivity independently predicted distinct aspects of altruism in a social choice task completed months later. An individual's merit bias predicted context-independent variance in people's overall other-regard during altruistic choice, biasing people towards prosocial actions. An individual's merit sensitivity predicted context-sensitive discrimination in generosity towards high and low merit recipients by influencing other-regard and self-regard during altruistic decision-making. This context-sensitive perception-action link was associated with activation in the right temporoparietal junction. Together, these findings point towards stable, biologically based individual differences in perceptual processes related to abstract social concepts like merit, and suggest that these differences may have important behavioral implications for an individual's tendency toward favoritism or discrimination in social settings.
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Falco A, Rattat AC, Paul I, Albinet C. Younger adults are more prosocial than older adults in economic decision making results from the give and take game. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17866. [PMID: 37483699 PMCID: PMC10359880 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study was designed to investigate the disadvantageous and advantageous inequity aversion of young and older adults in situations which allowed them to maximize or minimize payoff inequalities. Given the very limited evidence regarding an actual age-related effect on inequity aversion, the purpose of this study was to examine this question using an economic game, "the Give-and-Take Game", which is able to circumvent certain limitations of the Ultimatum Game, to evaluate inequity aversion (i.e., a same behaviour which can be induced by opposite motivations: prosocial vs. pro-self vs. altruistic orientations). In the "Give-and-Take Game", a sum of money was randomly distributed between the participant and a dummy player. These distributions created monetary inequalities, advantageous either for the participant (to examine advantageous inequity aversion) or for the other player (to examine disadvantageous inequity aversion). Different response options were proposed to the participants to either maximize or minimize payoff inequalities between the players. This procedure not only allowed to differentiate individual's profiles with more prosocial vs. pro-self vs. altruistic orientations, but also to examine age-related effects on these profiles. The results showed that older adults showed a more important pro-self orientation compared to their younger counterparts. They more frequently selected the options which maximized their own payoffs and were less averse to advantageous inequity compared to young adults. In contrast, young adults showed a similar level of advantageous and disadvantageous inequity aversion. Older adults focused on the economic and competitive dimension of the game, which may have motivated them to maximize their own payoffs. Conversely, young adults took into account the social dimension of the game, focusing on a fair monetary distribution.
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13
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Ryan AD, Smitko R, Campbell KL. Effect of situation similarity on younger and older adults' episodic simulation of helping behaviours. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9167. [PMID: 37280280 PMCID: PMC10242231 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36189-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Similar cognitive processes enable us to remember the past (i.e., episodic memory) and simulate future events (i.e., episodic simulation). In the current study, we demonstrate an important role for previous experience when younger and older adults simulate future behaviours. Participants read short descriptions of a person in need of help in scenarios that were more familiar to either younger or older adults (e.g., dealing with dating apps vs writing a cheque). Participants either imagined helping the person or thought about the style of the story (control task), and then rated their willingness to help, scene vividness, emotional concern, and subjective use of theory of mind. Hierarchical mixed effect modelling revealed that both episodic simulation and one's previous experience increased willingness to help, in that participants were more willing to help if they imagined helping and the situation was more familiar to them. Further, in simulated scenarios the relationship between previous experience and willingness to help was mediated by scene vividness and perspective-taking in younger adults, but only by perspective-taking in older adults. Taken together, these findings suggest that situation similarity and episodic simulation increase willingness to help, possibly via different mechanisms in younger and older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Dawn Ryan
- Department of Psychology, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada.
| | - Ronald Smitko
- Department of Psychology, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Karen L Campbell
- Department of Psychology, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada
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14
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Zhang Q, Liu Z, Qian H, Hu Y, Gao X. Interpersonal Competition in Elderly Couples: A Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Hyperscanning Study. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13040600. [PMID: 37190565 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13040600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Elderly people tend not to compete with others, and if they do, the mechanism behind the competition is not clear. In this study, groups of elderly couples and matched cross-sex controls were recruited to perform a competitive button-pressing task, while their brain signals were simultaneously collected using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) hyperscanning. Several fundamental observations were made. First, controls showed attenuated interpersonal competition across task processes, but couples held the competition with each other. Second, couples demonstrated increased inter-brain synchronization (IBS) between the middle temporal cortex and the temporoparietal junction across task processes. Third, Granger causality analysis in couples revealed significant differences between the directions (i.e., from men to women, and from women to men) in the first half of the competitive task, whereas there was no significant difference in the second half. Finally, the groups of couples and controls could be successfully discriminated against based on IBS by using a machine-learning approach. In sum, these findings indicate that elderly couples can maintain interpersonal competition, and such maintenance might be associated with changes in the IBS of the mentalizing system. It suggests the possible positive impact of long-term spouse relationships on interpersonal interactions, both behaviorally and neurally, in terms of competition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- Department of Psychology, Education College, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China
| | - Zhennan Liu
- Department of Psychology, Education College, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China
| | - Haoyue Qian
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Institute of Early Childhood Education, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China
| | - Yinying Hu
- Department of Psychology, Education College, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China
| | - Xiangping Gao
- Department of Psychology, Education College, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China
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15
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Millar M, Westfall RS, Fink-Armold A. Effects of Disease Threat and Attitude Similarity on Willingness to Help: The Mediating Role of Disgust. Psychol Rep 2023; 126:150-168. [PMID: 34590961 DOI: 10.1177/00332941211043457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The current research tested the hypothesis that an increase in perceived disease vulnerability would create more feelings of disgust and a reduced willingness to help persons with dissimilar attitudes. To test these hypotheses, two studies were performed. In the first study, 173 university undergraduates indicated their willingness to help a target person who held similar or dissimilar attitudes. Then the participants' feelings of disgust about helping, and perceived vulnerability to disease were measured. In the second study, 127 university undergraduates read materials designed to make a disease threat or a non-disease threat salient then indicated their willingness to help a target person with similar or dissimilar attitudes. As predicted a concern about disease and attitude similarity interacted to influence willingness to help and this effect was mediated by feelings of disgust.
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16
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Zhang H, Jia H, Zhang X. Dance to Prosper: Benefits of Chinese Square Dance in QOL and the Moderating Roles of Aging Stereotypes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16477. [PMID: 36554355 PMCID: PMC9778596 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND By examining the effect of Chinese square dance duration through a positive activity model and discussing the impact of aging stereotype internalization, this study examined the relationships between dance duration, attitudes toward own aging (ATOA), aging stereotypes, and quality of life. METHODS 403 Chinese square dance participants were recruited to complete a 7-day diary survey in a cross-sectional design. Participants reported on their ATOA, aging stereotypes, perceived quality of life, and everyday dance participation during the week. Data were analyzed using latent variable structural equation modeling. RESULTS Increased dance participation improved quality of life, and the mediation by ATOA was determined. Positive and negative aging stereotypes separately moderated the mediating process. In general, people who had relatively stronger negative stereotypes benefited more from dancing duration, while people with stronger positive stereotypes felt no such dose effect. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that an attitudinal pathway explains the positive activity dose effect, and people with more negative aging stereotypes are encouraged to practice Chinese square dance to benefit from certain effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honghao Zhang
- School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Huiyuan Jia
- College of Business Administration, Capital University of Economics and Business, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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17
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O’Connor AM, Kea DCE, Li Q, Ding XP, Evans AD. Older adults are more approving of blunt honesty than younger adults: a cross-cultural study. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 42:1-14. [PMID: 36213571 PMCID: PMC9524325 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03785-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Research has explored age-related and cultural differences in moral evaluations of dishonesty; however, this has not yet been examined in an aging context. The present study provided a novel account of how younger and older adults (in Canada, Singapore, and China; N = 401) morally evaluate adults' truths and lies in antisocial, modesty, and politeness settings. Participants completed a questionnaire assessing how acceptable it is for adults to tell the truth or a lie in given social scenarios, and they reported on their levels of collectivism and individualism. In all countries, older adults provided more favorable evaluations to blunt and immodest truths than younger adults did. Compared with younger adults, older adults provided harsher evaluations to Polite Lies (in Canada and China) and Modesty Lies (in Canada and Singapore). Thus, there may be an age-related increase in the acceptability of direct honesty over good-intentioned lies, and this age effect is somewhat stable across cultures. Older adults were also more lenient in evaluations of an antisocial lie to conceal an affair compared to younger adults. Overall, adults in China tended to rate lies less negatively, and their greater levels of collectivism mediated their greater approval of polite lies. The present results demonstrate that evaluations of (dis)honesty differ as a function of age and culture and these results can assist in developing a more complete lifespan model of the morality of dishonesty. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12144-022-03785-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison M. O’Connor
- Brock University, St. Catharines, Canada
- Mount Allison University, Sackville, Canada
| | | | | | - Xiao Pan Ding
- National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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18
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Dong J, Wang X, Cao X, Higgins D. Is It so Severe for Social Entrepreneurship in a Transitional Economy? The Role of Work-Related Wellbeing and Political Connection in Shaping the Exit Intention. Front Public Health 2022; 10:883153. [PMID: 35844864 PMCID: PMC9279698 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.883153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In the context of a transitional economy, there are much more studies with a heroic characterization of social entrepreneurs, whereas there is limited exploration of their less positive stories. A range of studies tried to address this issue, although very few delved into the “inner layer” (work-related mental health) to unveil the mechanism of how social entrepreneurs develop their intention to quit their businesses. With a sample of 196 social business owners from China, this research focuses on the prosocial motivation of social entrepreneurs as well as its impacts on their work-related wellbeing and thus their business exit intention. With the partial least squares structural equation modeling, this research finds that prosocial motivation decreased entrepreneurs' partial work-related wellbeing, increasing their exit intention, and the mediating effects among the three components of work-related wellbeing were different. Furthermore, this research finds that work-related wellbeing's impact on exit intention was largely stronger for the social entrepreneurs without political connections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianing Dong
- International Business School Suzhou, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, China
- Management School, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Xiao Wang
- International Business School Suzhou, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, China
- Management School, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Xiao Wang
| | - Xuanwei Cao
- International Business School Suzhou, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, China
- Management School, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - David Higgins
- Management School, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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19
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Weissberger GH, Samek A, Mosqueda L, Nguyen AL, Lim AC, Fenton L, Han SD. Increased Financial Altruism is Associated with Alzheimer's Disease Neurocognitive Profile in Older Adults. J Alzheimers Dis 2022; 88:995-1005. [PMID: 35723104 DOI: 10.3233/jad-220187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older age is associated with an increase in altruistic behaviors such as charitable giving. However, few studies have investigated the cognitive correlates of financial altruism in older adults. OBJECTIVE This study investigated the cognitive correlates of financial altruism measured using an altruistic choice paradigm in a community-based sample of older adults. METHODS In the present study, a sample of older adults (N = 67; M age = 69.21, SD = 11.23; M education years = 15.97, SD = 2.51; 58.2% female; 71.6% Non-Hispanic White) completed a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment and an altruistic choice paradigm in which they made decisions about allocating money between themselves and an anonymous person. RESULTS In multiple linear regression analyses that controlled for age, education, and sex, financial altruism was negatively associated with performance on cognitive measures typically sensitive to early Alzheimer's disease (including word list learning and recall, delayed story recall, and animal fluency). CONCLUSION Findings of this study point to a negative relationship between financial altruism and cognitive functioning in older adults on measures known to be sensitive to Alzheimer's disease. Findings also point to a potential link between financial exploitation risk and Alzheimer's disease in older age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gali H Weissberger
- Interdisciplinary Department of Social Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Anya Samek
- Department of Economics, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Laura Mosqueda
- Department of Family Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Alhambra, CA, USA.,USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Annie L Nguyen
- Department of Family Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Alhambra, CA, USA
| | - Aaron C Lim
- Department of Family Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Alhambra, CA, USA
| | - Laura Fenton
- Department of Psychology, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - S Duke Han
- Department of Family Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Alhambra, CA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Psychology, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Behavioral Sciences and Psychiatry, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
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20
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Liu Y, Wang B, Van Lange PAM. The development of social value orientation: Attachment styles, number of siblings, age, and a comparison of measures. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PERSONALITY 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/08902070221094216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Nearly 25 years ago, four studies examined the development of social value orientation (SVO) and uncovered that SVO was related to specific and general adult attachment, the number of siblings, and age. However, some of these findings have been challenged by two recent replication studies. The present (pre-registered) research extends these replication studies and the original research by using multiple measurements of both SVO and adult attachment on two large samples that allowed us to detect small effect sizes. With online samples ( N = 1446 and 2644) from MTurk and Prolific, we replicated earlier findings that prosociality was associated with a greater level of secure attachment and a lower level of avoidant attachment. Moreover, prosociality was positively related to the number of siblings, especially sisters, as discovered by Study 3 of the original study. However, we failed to replicate the significant relation between SVO and age. Generally, we conclude that prosocial orientation is associated—even if modestly—with secure and avoidant attachment and the number of siblings, but the link with age is a question open to future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Liu
- Institute for Brain and Behavior Amsterdam (IBBA), Department of Experimental and Applied Psychology, VU Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bo Wang
- Institute for Brain and Behavior Amsterdam (IBBA), Department of Experimental and Applied Psychology, VU Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Paul A. M. Van Lange
- Institute for Brain and Behavior Amsterdam (IBBA), Department of Experimental and Applied Psychology, VU Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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21
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Msika EF, Ehrlé N, Gaston-Bellegarde A, Orriols E, Piolino P, Narme P. Using a Computer-Based Virtual Environment to Assess Social Cognition in Aging: An Exploratory Study of the REALSoCog Task. Front Psychol 2022; 13:882165. [PMID: 35664139 PMCID: PMC9157049 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.882165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Although previous studies have suggested that some component processes of social cognition decline in normal aging, several methodological limitations can be pointed out. Traditional sociocognitive tasks assess processes separately and lack ecological validity. In the present study, the main aim was to propose an integrative social cognition assessment in normal aging using an original computer-based task developed in non-immersive virtual reality. Forty-five young adults (YA) and 50 older adults (OA) were asked to navigate in a simulated city environment and to judge several situations that they encountered. These situations investigated social norms by displaying control or (conventional/moral) transgressions. Following each situation, the participants were asked several questions in order to assess their ability to make moral judgments, affective and cognitive theory of mind, emotional reactivity and empathy, and the propensity to act in a socially appropriate or inappropriate way. The main results showed (i) a preserved ability to detect moral and conventional transgressions with advancing age; (ii) participants' preserved cognitive ToM abilities; (iii) an age-related decline in affective ToM, that disappeared when the victim was a senior; (iv) preserved emotional reactivity and emotional empathy in normal aging; (v) an increase in inappropriate behavioral intentions in normal aging. Offering more naturalistic conditions, this new task is an interesting integrative measure of sociocognitive functioning to better reflect social behavior in daily living.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva-Flore Msika
- MCLab (UR 7536), Institut de Psychologie, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Ehrlé
- MCLab (UR 7536), Institut de Psychologie, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Service de Neurologie, CHRU Maison-Blanche, Reims, France
| | | | - Eric Orriols
- MCLab (UR 7536), Institut de Psychologie, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Pascale Piolino
- MCLab (UR 7536), Institut de Psychologie, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Pauline Narme
- MCLab (UR 7536), Institut de Psychologie, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
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22
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Zak PJ, Curry B, Owen T, Barraza JA. Oxytocin Release Increases With Age and Is Associated With Life Satisfaction and Prosocial Behaviors. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:846234. [PMID: 35530727 PMCID: PMC9069134 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.846234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Helping behaviors and life satisfaction generally increase after middle-age. Identifying the neural substrates of prosocial behaviors in older adults may offer additional insights into these changes over the lifespan. The present study examines the endogenous release of the neuromodulator oxytocin (OT) in participants aged 18-99 and its relationship to prosocial behaviors. OT has been shown to influence trust, altruism, charity, and generosity, yet the effect of age on OT release has not been well-established. Blood samples before and after a video stimulus were obtained from 103 participants in order to examine the impact of OT on prosocial behaviors. We found that OT release following a social prime increased with age (r = 0.49, p = 0.001) and that OT moderated the relationship between age and donations to charity. We tested for robustness by examining three additional prosocial behaviors, money and goods donated to charity during the past year and social-sector volunteering. OT moderated the impact of age on all three prosocial behaviors (ps < 0.05). The analysis also showed that participants' change in OT was positively associated with satisfaction with life (p = 0.04), empathic concern (p = 0.015), dispositional gratitude (p = 0.019), and religious commitment (p = 0.001). Our findings indicate that the neural chemistry that helps sustain social relationships and live a fulfilled life appear to strengthen with age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J. Zak
- Center for Neuroeconomics Studies, Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, CA, United States
| | - Ben Curry
- TripActions, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Tyler Owen
- Center for Neuroeconomics Studies, Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, CA, United States
| | - Jorge A. Barraza
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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23
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The effects of embodying wildlife in virtual reality on conservation behaviors. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6439. [PMID: 35440749 PMCID: PMC9019095 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10268-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Efforts to mitigate environmental threats are often inversely related to the magnitude of casualty, human or otherwise. This “compassion fade” can be explained, in part, by differential processing of large- versus small-scale threats: it is difficult to form empathic connections with unfamiliar masses versus singular victims. Despite robust findings, little is known about how non-human casualty is processed, and what strategies override this bias. Across four experiments, we show how embodying threatened megafauna-Loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta Caretta)-using virtual reality can offset and reverse compassion fade. After observing compassion fade during exposure to non-human casualty in virtual reality (Study 1; N = 60), we then tested a custom virtual reality simulation designed to facilitate body transfer with a threatened Loggerhead sea turtle (Study 2; N = 98). Afterwards, a field experiment (Study 3; N = 90) testing the simulation with varied number of victims showed body transfer offset compassion fade. Lastly, a fourth study (N = 25) found that charitable giving among users embodying threatened wildlife was highest when exposed to one versus several victims, though this effect was reversed if victims were of a different species. The findings demonstrate how animal embodiment in virtual reality alters processing of environmental threats and non-human casualty, thereby influencing conservation outcomes.
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24
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Dong J, Wang X, Cao X, Higgins D. More Prosocial, More Ephemeral? The Role of Work-Related Wellbeing and Gender in Incubating Social Entrepreneurs' Exit Intention. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19073999. [PMID: 35409682 PMCID: PMC8997935 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19073999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Why does social entrepreneurship tend to live so shortly? A range of studies tried to answer this question, although very few delved into the “inner layer” (psychological status) to unveil how social entrepreneurs decide to quit. Accordingly, focusing on prosocial motivation of social entrepreneurs and its impact on their work-related wellbeing and then their business exit intention, we conducted this empirical research. Furthermore, gender differences are involved based on relevant calls for in-depth investigation. With a sample of 301 respondents in China, deploying the partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), we found prosocial motivation decreases entrepreneurs’ work-related wellbeing, which in turn, increases entrepreneurial exit intention. Furthermore, adopting the multi-group analysis (MGA) technique, we uncovered that the impact of prosocial motivation on work-related wellbeing largely is stronger for males. Our research thus contributes to the growing research and knowledge on social entrepreneurship in terms of individual personality traits and how they impact a social entrepreneur’s psychological status and thus their intention of exiting the social business. This study’s further theoretical and practical implications, as well as its limitations and thus future research directions, are discussed at the end.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianing Dong
- International Business School Suzhou, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou 215123, China; (J.D.); (X.C.)
- Management School, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK;
| | - Xiao Wang
- International Business School Suzhou, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou 215123, China; (J.D.); (X.C.)
- Management School, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK;
- Correspondence:
| | - Xuanwei Cao
- International Business School Suzhou, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou 215123, China; (J.D.); (X.C.)
- Management School, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK;
| | - David Higgins
- Management School, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK;
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25
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de Paula Couto MC, Fung HH, Graf S, Hess TM, Liou S, Nikitin J, Rothermund K. Antecedents and Consequences of Endorsing Prescriptive Views of Active Aging and Altruistic Disengagement. Front Psychol 2022; 13:807726. [PMID: 35178015 PMCID: PMC8844369 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.807726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we investigated endorsement of two types of prescriptive views of aging, namely active aging (e.g., prescriptions for older adults to stay fit and healthy and to maintain an active and productive lifestyle) and altruistic disengagement (e.g., prescriptions for older adults to behave altruistically toward the younger generation by granting young people access to positions and resources). The study comprised a large international sample of middle-aged and older adults (N = 2,900), covering the age range from 40 to 90 years. Participants rated their personal endorsement of prescriptive views of active aging and altruistic disengagement targeting older adults in general (i.e., "In my personal opinion, older adults should…"). Findings showed that endorsement was higher for prescriptions for active aging than for prescriptions for altruistic disengagement. Age groups in the sample differed regarding their endorsement of both prescriptive views of active aging and altruistic disengagement with older adults showing higher endorsement than middle-aged adults did. Prescriptive views of active aging and altruistic disengagement related positively to each other and to the superordinate social belief that older adults should not become a burden, which attests to their functional similarity. In contrast, prescriptive views of active aging and altruistic disengagement were associated with psychological adjustment in opposite ways, with endorsement of active aging (vs. altruistic disengagement) being related to better (vs. worse) adjustment outcomes such as life satisfaction and subjective health. Our findings highlight the internalization of prescriptive views of aging in older people and their implications for their development and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Helene H. Fung
- Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sylvie Graf
- Institute of Psychology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Thomas M. Hess
- Department of Psychology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Shyhnan Liou
- Institute of Creative Industries Design, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Jana Nikitin
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Klaus Rothermund
- Institute of Psychology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
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26
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Li M, Peng H. How Cues of Being Watched Promote Risk Seeking in Fund Investment in Older Adults. Front Psychol 2022; 12:765632. [PMID: 35095651 PMCID: PMC8790478 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.765632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Social cues, such as being watched, can subtly alter fund investment choices. This study aimed to investigate how cues of being watched influence decision-making, attention allocation, and risk tendencies. Using decision scenarios adopted from the “Asian Disease Problem,” we examined participants’ risk tendency in a financial scenario when they were watched. A total of 63 older and 66 younger adults participated. Eye tracking was used to reveal the decision-maker’s attention allocation (fixations and dwell time per word). The results found that both younger and older adults tend to seek risk in the loss frame than in the gain frame (i.e., framing effect). Watching eyes tended to escalate reckless gambling behaviors among older adults, which led them to maintain their share in the depressed fund market, regardless of whether the options were gain or loss framed. The eye-tracking results revealed that older adults gave less attention to the sure option in the eye condition (i.e., fewer fixations and shorter dwell time). However, their attention was maintained on the gamble options. In comparison, images of “watching eyes” did not influence the risk seeking of younger adults but decreased their framing effect. Being watched can affect financial risk preference in decision-making. The exploration of the contextual sensitivity of being watched provides us with insight into developing decision aids to promote rational financial decision-making, such as human-robot interactions. Future research on age differences still requires further replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meijia Li
- Institute of Developmental Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Huamao Peng
- Institute of Developmental Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
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27
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Hernández Blasi C. Whose Life Do You Save? Factors Associated With Gender Differences in Altruism Toward Romantic Partners Versus Genetic Relatives. Psychol Rep 2022; 126:1430-1444. [PMID: 35068236 DOI: 10.1177/00332941211050010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study explored potential gender differences in altruism in three hypothetical life-or-death situations in which a romantic partner and a relative (an offspring, a sibling, and a cousin) were involved. Specifically, 200 college students (93 men) responded to a 24-item questionnaire: 12 items focused on the three romantic partner versus relative life-or-death dilemmas; 12 items served as control items and focused on three relative versus relative life-or-death dilemmas (sibling vs. offspring; sibling vs. cousin; cousin vs. offspring). For each main dilemma, four different versions were created by varying the ages of both romantic partners and genetic relatives. Overall, the participants saved their offspring and siblings more often than their romantic partners, and their romantic partners more often than their cousins. In all three dilemmas, the proportion of women who saved their genetic relative over their romantic partner was significantly higher than the proportion of men, with the age of both romantic partners and relatives playing a role. Romantic partners were significantly saved more often when pitted against their cousins than when pitted against their siblings, and when pitted against their siblings than when pitted against their offspring. Young adult males and females exhibit minor, but significant and consistent, gender differences in their altruistic tendencies toward relatives in hypothetical critical situations in which other close non relatives, namely romantic partners, are also involved.
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28
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Corrêa JC, Ávila MPW, Lucchetti ALG, Lucchetti G. Altruism, Volunteering and Cognitive Performance Among Older Adults: A 2-Year Longitudinal Study. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 2022; 35:66-77. [PMID: 33021137 DOI: 10.1177/0891988720964260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to investigate whether altruism and volunteering are associated differently with cognitive functioning in community-dwelling older adults. A 2-year longitudinal study of 291 Brazilian older adults was conducted. In the baseline analysis, altruism, but not volunteering, was associated with higher scores for the composite cognitive score, the Mini-Mental State Examination, the verbal fluency and the CERAD Recall. Concerning the longitudinal analyses, volunteering at baseline, but not altruism, was associated with verbal fluency and CERAD Word List Recall after 2 years of follow up. Same results were obtained while investigating changes in score. Altruism and volunteering were associated with cognitive tests, albeit in different ways. Volunteering, but not altruism, was associated with lower cognitive decline. However, altruism, but not volunteering, was associated with higher absolute score on these tests. These findings can further understanding of this new field of health research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimilly Caputo Corrêa
- Division of Geriatrics, School of Medicine, 28113Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | | | - Giancarlo Lucchetti
- Division of Geriatrics, School of Medicine, 28113Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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29
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Cutler J, Nitschke JP, Lamm C, Lockwood PL. Older adults across the globe exhibit increased prosocial behavior but also greater in-group preferences. NATURE AGING 2021; 1:880-888. [PMID: 37118329 PMCID: PMC10154238 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-021-00118-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Population aging is a global phenomenon with substantial implications across society1,2. Prosocial behaviors-actions that benefit others-promote mental and physical health across the lifespan3,4 and can save lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined whether age predicts prosociality in a preregistered global study (46,576 people aged 18-99 across 67 countries) using two acutely relevant measures: distancing during COVID-19 and willingness to donate to hypothetical charities. Age positively predicted prosociality on both measures, with increased distancing and donations among older adults. However, older adults were more in-group focused than younger adults in choosing who to help, making larger donations to national over international charities and reporting increased in-group preferences. In-group preferences helped explain greater national over international donations. Results were robust to several control analyses and internal replication. Our findings have vital implications for predicting the social and economic impacts of aging populations, increasing compliance with public health measures and encouraging charitable donations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo Cutler
- Centre for Human Brain Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Jonas P Nitschke
- Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Claus Lamm
- Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Patricia L Lockwood
- Centre for Human Brain Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Christ Church, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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30
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Isaacowitz DM, Freund AM, Mayr U, Rothermund K, Tobler PN. Age-Related Changes in the Role of Social Motivation: Implications for Healthy Aging. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2021; 76:S115-S124. [PMID: 33881524 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbab032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Prior research has established the importance of social relations and social embeddedness for motivation in healthy aging. Thus, social orientation appears to be essential for understanding healthy aging. This article focuses particularly on age-related changes in goals concerning social orientation, such as increased prioritization of emotional goals, increased prosociality/altruistic motives, generativity, and ego transcendence. We then consider open questions regarding gaps in the links between goals related to social orientation and healthy aging, as well as the implications of theories and research on social goals for leveraging motivation to promote healthy aging. In particular, interventions to promote healthy behavior in late life may be most effective when they match the themes of older adults' strivings to find meaning and purpose in their personal goals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexandra M Freund
- Department of Psychology and University Research Priority Program "Dynamics of Healthy Aging", University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Philippe N Tobler
- Department of Psychology and University Research Priority Program "Dynamics of Healthy Aging", University of Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Economics, University of Zurich, Switzerland
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31
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Tusche A, Bas LM. Neurocomputational models of altruistic decision-making and social motives: Advances, pitfalls, and future directions. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. COGNITIVE SCIENCE 2021; 12:e1571. [PMID: 34340256 PMCID: PMC9286344 DOI: 10.1002/wcs.1571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
This article discusses insights from computational models and social neuroscience into motivations, precursors, and mechanisms of altruistic decision-making and other-regard. We introduce theoretical and methodological tools for researchers who wish to adopt a multilevel, computational approach to study behaviors that promote others' welfare. Using examples from recent studies, we outline multiple mental and neural processes relevant to altruism. To this end, we integrate evidence from neuroimaging, psychology, economics, and formalized mathematical models. We introduce basic mechanisms-pertinent to a broad range of value-based decisions-and social emotions and cognitions commonly recruited when our decisions involve other people. Regarding the latter, we discuss how decomposing distinct facets of social processes can advance altruistic models and the development of novel, targeted interventions. We propose that an accelerated synthesis of computational approaches and social neuroscience represents a critical step towards a more comprehensive understanding of altruistic decision-making. We discuss the utility of this approach to study lifespan differences in social preference in late adulthood, a crucial future direction in aging global populations. Finally, we review potential pitfalls and recommendations for researchers interested in applying a computational approach to their research. This article is categorized under: Economics > Interactive Decision-Making Psychology > Emotion and Motivation Neuroscience > Cognition Economics > Individual Decision-Making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Tusche
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University, Ontario, Kingston, Canada.,Department of Economics, Queen's University, Ontario, Kingston, Canada.,Division of the Humanities and Social Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Lisa M Bas
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University, Ontario, Kingston, Canada
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32
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Cho I, Daley RT, Cunningham TJ, Kensinger EA, Gutchess A. Aging, Empathy, and Prosocial Behaviors During the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2021; 77:e57-e63. [PMID: 34320179 PMCID: PMC8411378 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbab140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Previous literature suggests age-related increases in prosociality. Does such an age–prosociality relationship occur during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, or might the pandemic—as a stressor that may differently influence young and older adults—create a boundary condition on the relationship? If so, can empathy, a well-known prosocial disposition, explain the age–prosociality relationship? This study investigated these questions and whether the target (distant others compared to close others) of prosocial behaviors differs by age. Methods Participants completed a series of surveys on dispositional empathy and prosocial behaviors for a study assessing their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. There were 330 participants (aged 18–89) from the United States who completed all of the surveys included in the present analyses. Results Age was positively related to greater prosociality during the pandemic. Although empathy was positively associated with individuals’ prosociality, it did not account for the age–prosociality association. Interestingly, increasing age was associated with greater prosocial behaviors toward close others (i.e., family, friends). Discussion Results are discussed in the context of socioemotional goals and substantiate that findings of age differences in prosocial behaviors occur during the period of limited resources and threat associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isu Cho
- Department of Psychology, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - Ryan T Daley
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
| | - Tony J Cunningham
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Angela Gutchess
- Department of Psychology, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, USA
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33
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Freund AM, Hennecke M, Brandstätter V, Martin M, Boker SM, Charles ST, Fishbach A, Gow AJ, Heckhausen J, Hess TM, Isaacowitz DM, Klusmann V, Lachman ME, Mayr U, Oettingen G, Robert P, Roecke C, Rothermund K, Scholz U, Tobler PN, Zacher H, Zadeh RS. Motivation and Healthy Aging: A Heuristic Model. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2021; 76:S97-S104. [PMID: 34228802 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbab128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Building on the seminal definition of "healthy aging" by the World Health Organization (WHO, 2015; 2020), we present a model of motivation and healthy aging that is aimed at identifying the central psychological constructs and processes for understanding what older persons value, and how they can attain and maintain these valued aspects of their lives. This model places goals at its center, and then proceeds from motivational processes of goal setting, pursuit, and disengagement, to contextual factors (cultural, social, technological, physical, organizational, and life-history related aspects) that provide opportunities and constraints to the healthy aging of individuals. We briefly introduce each of these constructs and processes, thereby setting the scene for the articles included in this supplement that each address one or more of the facets of the heuristic model of motivation and healthy aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra M Freund
- Dept. of Psychology, University of Zurich, Switzerland.,University Research Priority Program "Dynamics of HealthyAging", University of Zurich, Switzerland.,Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research - LIVES
| | | | - Veronika Brandstätter
- Dept. of Psychology, University of Zurich, Switzerland.,University Research Priority Program "Dynamics of HealthyAging", University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mike Martin
- Dept. of Psychology, University of Zurich, Switzerland.,University Research Priority Program "Dynamics of HealthyAging", University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Steven M Boker
- Dept. of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA
| | - Susan T Charles
- Dept. of Psychological Science, University of California Irvine, Irvine, USA
| | - Ayelet Fishbach
- Booth School of Business, University of Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - Alan J Gow
- Dept. of Psychology, Herriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jutta Heckhausen
- Dept. of Psychological Science, University of California Irvine, Irvine, USA
| | - Thomas M Hess
- Dept. of Psychology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, USA
| | | | - Verena Klusmann
- Dept. of Psychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany.,Dept. of Psychology and Human Movement Science, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Ulrich Mayr
- Dept. of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene, USA
| | - Gabriele Oettingen
- Dept. of Psychology and Human Movement Science, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.,Dept. of Psychology, New York University, New York City, USA
| | - Philippe Robert
- Cognition Behaviour Technology, University Cote D'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Christina Roecke
- Dept. of Psychology, University of Zurich, Switzerland.,University Research Priority Program "Dynamics of HealthyAging", University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Klaus Rothermund
- Dept. of Psychology, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Germany
| | - Urte Scholz
- Dept. of Psychology, University of Zurich, Switzerland.,University Research Priority Program "Dynamics of HealthyAging", University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Hannes Zacher
- Dept. of Psychology, Wilhelm Wundt University Leipzig, Germany
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34
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Cavallini E, Rosi A, Ceccato I, Ronchi L, Lecce S. Prosociality in aging: The contribution of traits and empathic concern. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2021.110735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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35
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Adult age differences in monetary decisions with real and hypothetical reward. JOURNAL OF BEHAVIORAL DECISION MAKING 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/bdm.2253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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36
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Lockwood PL, Abdurahman A, Gabay A, Drew D, Tamm M, Husain M, Apps MAJ. Aging Increases Prosocial Motivation for Effort. Psychol Sci 2021; 32:668-681. [PMID: 33860711 PMCID: PMC7611497 DOI: 10.1177/0956797620975781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Social cohesion relies on prosociality in increasingly aging populations. Helping other people requires effort, yet how willing people are to exert effort to benefit themselves and others, and whether such behaviors shift across the life span, is poorly understood. Using computational modeling, we tested the willingness of 95 younger adults (18-36 years old) and 92 older adults (55-84 years old) to put physical effort into self- and other-benefiting acts. Participants chose whether to work and exert force (30%-70% of maximum grip strength) for rewards (2-10 credits) accrued for themselves or, prosocially, for another. Younger adults were somewhat selfish, choosing to work more at higher effort levels for themselves, and exerted less force in prosocial work. Strikingly, compared with younger adults, older people were more willing to put in effort for others and exerted equal force for themselves and others. Increased prosociality in older people has important implications for human behavior and societal structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia L. Lockwood
- Centre for Human Brain Health, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PH, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford
- Christ Church, University of Oxford Centre for Human Brain Health, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham
| | - Ayat Abdurahman
- Centre for Human Brain Health, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford
- Department of Psychology, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EB
| | - Anthony Gabay
- Centre for Human Brain Health, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PH, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford
| | - Daniel Drew
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PH, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford
| | - Marin Tamm
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PH, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford
| | - Masud Husain
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PH, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford
| | - Matthew A. J. Apps
- Centre for Human Brain Health, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PH, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford
- Christ Church, University of Oxford Centre for Human Brain Health, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham
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