The cognitive and neural mechanisms of intuitive prosocial behavior

In current study,we investigated the psychological mechanism and dynamic neural activity during prosocial decision-making by using behavioral measure and electroencephalogram.Specifically,our aim was to investigate the effect of empathy in promoting prosocial decision.We used the Chinese version of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index scale(C-IRI)and 11 emotional vocabularies to measure participants'trait empathy and state empathy respectively.In experiment 1,we aimed at identifying the neural activity involved in intuitive prosocial behavior using event related potentials(ERPs).The results showed that empathy is an important factor to promote intuitive prosocial choices.The associa tions between trait empathy and intuitive prosocial behavior are complex and multifaceted,prone to shifting according to the urgency of situations.T hese findings suggest that empathy and related emotional reactions has a vital role in motivating helping behavior,and that reflection can undermine this emotional impulse.