ABSTRACT
The origins of prosocial behavior are deeply grounded in a broad range of biological, motivational, and social processes. Early prosocial development contributes to the acquisition of social competence, academic achievement, and avoidance of depression, anxiety, and transgressive behavior. The abundance of social support is striking. There is more frequent mention of social support in the A/U conditions than any other prosocial influence. Prosocial commitments are scaled according to the positive qualities of close relationships, the ties that bind cohesive partners together, and the constraints that prevent them from falling apart. In idealized terms, prosocial influence, practical intelligence, and mature development will culminate in greater wisdom construed as an exceptional understanding of life as demonstrated by living well, without bitterness, discontent, or lament. A strong surplus of positive emotion, affect, and mood may facilitate healthy behavioral practices by providing resilient people with what they need to confront the real possibility that they might have a serious health problem.
