PRESCHOOLERS PROSOCIAL REPERTOIRES - PARENTS PERSPECTIVES

Two cross-sectional developmental studies of prosocial behaviors displ ayed in natural settings by 2- and 5-year-olds using a prototype appro ach are reported. In the first study, caretakers described the most pr osocial child they knew, resulting in 20 attributes for 2-year-olds an d 24 attributes for 5-year-olds. In the second study, parents rated th e relative importance of each attribute in defining a child as prosoci al. Results indicated more similarities than differences between the t wo age groups and that research has; underrepresented the rich reperto ire of naturally occurring prosocial behavior in young children, ignor ing behaviors salient and important to parents (e.g., being cheerful, sensitive, affectionate, friendly, and praising others) in favor of le ss typical behaviors (e.g., donation of commodities to charity). Broad er and more relevant indices of prosocial behavior are needed. Results provide researchers with a data base which enables them to make infor med decisions about the assessment of prosocial behavior.