Children Helping Peers: Altruism and Preschool Environment

Abstract

The effects of different preschool learning environments on choice of helping behavior were studied using 10 female Ss each from a Transactional Analysis preschool, a Montessori preschool, and a “traditional” preschool program. An experimental need for help was created, using a four-year-old unfamiliar female confederate. A high rate of helping responses was found across preschools, with no difference in response level by preschool. Ss from the different preschool environments selected different behaviors in reacting to the same need for help. Ss attending the T.A. preschool were more likely to offer spontaneous comfort and assistance, while Montessori Ss more frequently provided compliant help. Only Ss from the “traditional” program offered to get adult assistance. The results suggest that even preschool children can select from a repertoire of behaviors a response which is most appropriate for both a specific need for help and the social learning environment in which they are placed.