Affect and altruism

Investigated the relationship between affect and altruism in 7- and 8-yr-old middle-class white children (N = 48 males and 24 females). Ss were asked to think of things that made them happy or sad, or they were assigned to control conditions. Ss were then given an opportunity to donate money to other children in the E's absence. In accord with predictions, Ss who experienced positive affect gave more than controls, while Ss who experienced negative affect gave less than controls. Females gave more than males overall. The relationship between self-reward and reward of others is discussed. (19 ref.)