Rose-colored glasses: Examining the social information-processing of prosocial young adolescents

The social information-processing (SIP) model has generated significant kno wledge concerning the social cognitions of rejected and aggressive children . However, the model rarely has been applied to the cognitions and behavior of prosocial children or adolescents. This study examined SIP patterns of prosocial young adolescents (10 through 12 years of age). Hypothetical situ ation instruments were used to assess the intent attributions, feelings of distress, and response-decision processes (for relational and instrumental provocation situations) of fourth- through sixth-grade young adolescents (N = 675). Results revealed that, in contrast to their comparison group peers , prosocial young adolescents (a) were less likely to attribute hostile int ent or feel distressed in provocation situations (i.e., a benign attributio nal bias), (b) gave relatively more negative evaluations of aggressive resp onses and relatively more positive evaluations of prosocial responses to pr ovocation, and (c) were more likely to endorse relational rather than instr umental goals in dealing with provocation. Implications for prosocial devel opment and intervention are discussed.