The idea that natural selection favors helping genetic relatives as it ensures the survival of oneself and the chance of one's genes flourishing in future generations.

New York University

Evolutionary psychologists attempted to explain prosocial behavior in three ways: kin selection, the norm of reciprocity, and group selection.

Theory of Prosocial Behavior: Instinct & Genes

Aronson, E., Wilson, T. D., Akert, R. M., & Sommers, S. R. (2018). Revel Social Psychology (10th ed.). Pearson.

Revel Social Psychology

Kin Selection

Groups that value altruism/have altruistic members are more likely to survive than other social groups.

Group Selection

Reciprocity is a social preference where individuals are inclined to be kind and helpful towards those who have been kind and helpful to them, and conversely, to withhold kindness and assistance from those who have not.

Reciprocity

Reciprocity is a social principle centered on mutual exchange. In the context of relationships, it manifests as a 'give and take,' where individuals contribute with the expectation of receiving benefits in return. This dynamic is crucial for relationship formation, as people are more inclined to like and interact with those who reciprocate positive feelings and actions.

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