Final answer:
Personal characteristics such as empathy, mood, competence, and altruism influence prosocial behavior, affecting why and how individuals decide to help others.
Step-by-step explanation:
Personal characteristics have a significant influence on prosocial behavior, the voluntary actions intended to benefit others. Key factors include empathy, which involves understanding and feeling what another person experiences, often motivating individuals to act in a way that is helpful and supportive. Mood can also play a role in prosocial behavior, as individuals may be more inclined to help others when they are in a good mood. Competence, or one's belief in their ability to effectively assist, influences the likelihood of engaging in prosocial actions. Finally, altruism, often discussed in relation to empathy, refers to the desire to help others selflessly, without the anticipation of personal gain, and sometimes despite personal risks or costs.