Introduction to Conflict, Prosocial, and Antisocial Behaviour

Welcome to one of the most fascinating parts of Psychology! In this chapter, we explore why humans act the way they do in social situations. Why do we sometimes risk our lives to help a stranger (prosocial behaviour), yet at other times, we get into heated arguments or even act aggressively (antisocial behaviour and conflict)?

By looking through the lens of the biological, cognitive, and sociocultural approaches, we can start to see the "why" behind these actions. Whether you are aiming for SL or HL, understanding these concepts will help you explain human relationships in the real world.

1. Prosocial Behaviour: Why Do We Help?

Prosocial behaviour is any act performed with the goal of benefiting another person. It isn't just about being "nice"—it is a specific choice to help, cooperate, or share.

The Three Approaches to Helping

  • The Biological Approach: This perspective suggests we might be "hard-wired" to help. For example, helping family members ensures that shared genes survive. Think of it like an investment in the future of your family tree.
  • The Cognitive Approach: This focuses on how we think before we act. We often perform a mental "cost-benefit analysis." If the cost of helping is low (like giving directions) and the benefit is high (feeling good or getting a thank-you), we are more likely to act.
  • The Sociocultural Approach: This looks at social norms. Many cultures have a "norm of reciprocity"—the unwritten rule that if someone helps you, you should help them back.

Quick Review: Helping isn't always selfless. Sometimes it’s driven by biology, sometimes by logic, and sometimes by the rules of our society.

2. Antisocial Behaviour: Why Do We Harm?

Antisocial behaviour is the opposite of prosocial. It includes actions that harm others, violate social norms, or show a lack of consideration for the well-being of others. This often manifests as aggression or discrimination.

Factors Influencing Antisocial Behaviour

  • Biological Factors: Research often looks at brain structure or hormones. For example, the way our brain processes emotions might lead to impulsive reactions.
  • Cognitive Factors: This involves our schemas (mental shortcuts). If we have a "hostile attribution bias," we might interpret a neutral action—like someone bumping into us in the hall—as a deliberate attack, leading us to react antisocially.
  • Sociocultural Factors: We learn how to behave by watching others. If a child sees aggressive behaviour being rewarded in their environment or in the media, they may model that behaviour themselves.

Analogy: Think of antisocial behaviour like a fire. Biology provides the fuel, a cognitive bias provides the spark, and the social environment provides the oxygen that lets it grow.

3. Understanding Conflict

Conflict happens when two or more parties perceive that they have incompatible goals or limited resources. It is a natural part of human relationships, but how we manage it defines the health of the relationship.

Key Drivers of Conflict

  • Competition for Resources: When people feel there isn't enough of something (money, jobs, status) to go around, conflict increases.
  • Perspective: Conflict often arises because two people see the same situation differently. One person might see "assertiveness" while the other sees "aggression."
  • Bias: We often favour our "in-group" (the group we belong to) and look down on "out-groups." This bias can lead to prejudice and long-term conflict.

Did you know? Conflict isn't always "bad." If handled with open communication and a change in perspective, it can actually lead to positive change and stronger bonds!

4. Connecting the Six Concepts

In the IB Psychology course, you need to apply six specific concepts to these behaviours. Here is how they fit into this chapter:

1. Bias: How do our prejudices lead to conflict or antisocial behaviour? (e.g., favouring people who look like us).
2. Causality: What is the root cause of a specific prosocial act? Is it a gene, a thought process, or a social rule?
3. Change: Can we change antisocial behaviour into prosocial behaviour through education or therapy?
4. Measurement: How do psychologists "measure" something invisible like "altruism" or "aggression"? Usually through surveys or observation.
5. Perspective: How does seeing a situation from someone else's point of view reduce conflict?
6. Responsibility: Who is responsible for helping? The "bystander effect" shows that when many people are present, we feel less individual responsibility to help.

5. HL Extension: Culture, Motivation, and Technology

(Higher Level students should pay extra attention here, as these are assessed in Paper 3).

Culture

Different cultures value prosocial behaviour differently. In collectivist cultures, helping the group is often seen as a duty, whereas in individualist cultures, helping is often seen as a personal choice.

Motivation

What drives us? Intrinsic motivation (helping because it feels right) versus extrinsic motivation (helping to get a reward or avoid a fine) changes the quality of prosocial behaviour.

Technology

Technology has changed how we interact. Antisocial behaviour can now happen through cyberbullying, where the attacker is distant from the victim. Conversely, prosocial behaviour has expanded through "digital activism" or online crowdfunding for strangers in need.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't ignore the context: Always remember that these behaviours happen within human relationships. A person isn't just "aggressive"—they are acting aggressively toward someone in a specific setting.
  • Don't oversimplify: Avoid saying "men are more aggressive" or "women are more helpful." Psychology is about probability and influence, not certainties. Use words like "tends to," "may," or "suggests."
  • Confusing "Altruism" and "Prosocial": Prosocial behaviour is the broad category (helping). Altruism is a specific type of helping where the person gets no benefit at all.

Chapter Summary

Key Takeaway: Conflict, helping (prosocial), and harming (antisocial) are complex behaviours influenced by our biology, our thoughts, and our social world. By understanding the causality behind these actions and shifting our perspective, we can better understand the dynamics of human relationships.

For more on how we gather data on these topics, check out the chapter on "Class practical: survey and questionnaire."