Prosocial Behaviour in Preschool Children: A Look at the Interaction of Race, Gender, and Family Composition

Abstract

The effects of family variables on prosocial behaviour-helping and/or comforting-of preschool children were assessed by observing their reactions to a peer in a distressful situation. Father-absent males were found to have the highest scores for comforting behaviour. Comforting was related to the mothers' dependency on their children for emotional support. Whereas helping was related to the number of chores children performed. Children from smaller families had higher comforting scores than did those from larger families. Theoretical implications regarding these findings are discussed.