A study found that parenting styles may influence how helping behavior develops in infants.

Researchers of a study published in Developmental Psychology followed 273 infants and their mothers to examine how early prosocial behavior emerges in daily interactions.

Infants participated in tasks measuring both spontaneous helping and helping behavior following parental guidance. In one task, researchers observed whether infants would help without being asked. In another, mothers instructed children to complete simple activities such as putting objects away.

The study found differences in maternal approaches across cultures. Mothers in Ugandan settings more commonly used direct and firm instructions, described as “assertive scaffolding.” In contrast, mothers in the United Kingdom more often used encouragement, explanations, and choice-based language, referred to as “deliberate scaffolding.”

Researchers reported that assertive scaffolding was associated with higher levels of helping behavior. Infants receiving clear and direct instructions were more likely to help both spontaneously and when prompted.

The findings suggest that while infants show an early capacity to help others, parenting practices and cultural expectations may shape how helping behavior develops.

(Source:https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-05-reveals-parenting-styles-babies-willingness.html#google_vignette)