Reciprocity in Psychology

Reciprocity in psychology refers to the social norm where people tend to respond to others' actions with similar behavior. If someone does a favor or shows kindness, we're often inclined to return the gesture. This mutual exchange fosters trust and positive relationships. It’s a fundamental aspect of social interactions, encouraging cooperation and fairness. For example, if a friend helps you with a task, you might feel compelled to help them in return. Reciprocity helps create balance and strengthen connections within communities, making social life more predictable and cooperative.