Citation

Hepach R, Vaish A, Tomasello M. Dev. Psychol. 2017; 53(1): 100-113.

Affiliation

Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, American Psychological Association)

DOI

10.1037/dev0000173

PMID

28026192

Abstract

Much is known about young children's helping behavior, but little is known about the underlying motivations and emotions involved. In 2 studies we found that 2-year-old children showed positive emotions of similar magnitude-as measured by changes in their postural elevation using depth sensor imaging technology-after they achieved a goal for themselves and after they helped another person achieve her goal. Conversely, children's posture decreased in elevation when their actions did not result in a positive outcome. These results suggest that for young children, working for themselves and helping others are similarly rewarding. (PsycINFO Database Record

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Language: en