Psychological Factors Influencing Pro Social Behavior in Urban Communities

Abstract

Pro‑social behavior—voluntary actions intended to benefit others—is a central element of social cohesion and collective well‑being in urban communities. Urban contexts, with their unique environmental stressors and sociocultural dynamics, can both impede and facilitate such behaviors. Drawing from contemporary research in social and environmental psychology, this article examines key psychological determinants of pro‑social behavior in urban settings, including empathy, moral cognition, social identity, life satisfaction, and perceived built environments. The discussion highlights how these individual and contextual factors interact to shape cooperation, helping behaviors, and community engagement among urban residents, offering implications for policy and intervention design