Answer to Question 1
Answer:
In general, people are more willing to help a stranger when their mood is up, perhaps because they, e.g., found some money. But, in some cases, a positive mood decreases the likelihood of helping, because a person in a good mood may think an emergency is a non-emergency, or even because such a person may not want to lose her good mood by having to deal with something unpleasant, like a person needing help. A positive mood may occur due to an environmental factor, like being exposed to a nice smell. The positive mood may then lead to greater likelihood of helping behavior. People in a negative mood are typically less likely to help others. However, if the act of helping may generate positive feelings, people in a bad mood may want to help even more than a person in a good mood (because it will help them feel better). Such a chain of events is in line with the negative-state relief model, in that helping may occur simply because it reduces a person's negative feelings.
Answer to Question 2
Answer:
Empathy is an affective and a cognitive reaction to the distress of others. It appears to be influenced by both biological and experiential factors. A secure attachment style makes it easier for us to feel empathy for the needs of another. Research has playing prosocial video games increases the likelihood that a person will help in the future. Parents exert a strong influence on their children. Mothers who are emotionally warm, and parents who model prosocial behaviors generally tend to have more empathetic children. In addition, parents should emphasize how other people are affected by negative behavior. Using anger to control a child's behavior tends to inhibit the development of empathy.