Final answer:
The cognitive capability related to prosocial behavior is empathy. Empathy allows individuals to understand and feel concern for others, driving prosocial actions such as helping and supporting others. This develops significantly during adolescence and is influenced by supportive parental relationships.
Step-by-step explanation:
A cognitive capability that is related to the occurrence of prosocial behavior is empathy. Empathy, specifically cognitive empathy, is deeply connected to the ability to take the perspective of others and feel concern for their well-being. This empathic concern is a key driver behind actions that are aimed at helping others, which is what is meant by prosocial behavior. Adolescents who exhibit higher levels of empathy often engage in more prosocial actions, as they can better understand and relate to the emotions and situations of others. This is not only essential for social problem solving and conflict avoidance, but it also contributes positively to their social development and relationships.
As opposed to merely conforming to rules or detaching from situations, empathy involves an active understanding and concern for another person's emotional state. Moreover, prosocial behavior has been shown to be influenced by the quality of parental relationships, such as having supportive fathers. Lastly, behaviors like altruism fall under the umbrella of prosocial behaviors and are indicative of an individual's willingness to help others selflessly.