ABSTRACT
In recent decades there has been a heightened interest in the origins and development of caring behaviors, and on factors that contribute to individual differences in these patterns. There has been an emphasis, as well, on both normative and non-normative expressions of concern for others, as empathy may be appropriate, muted, or excessive. Both biological and environmental processes have been implicated in the emergence of these different patterns. Although multiple factors in the environment influence biological processes, this chapter focuses on a review of theories and research emphasizing the associations between biological factors and the development of empathy, sympathy, altruism, and prosocial behavior.
