Huge thanks to the co-authors Luke Priestley, @drjocutler.bsky.social , Tabitha Hogg, Nima Khalighinejad, Neil Garrett, @brainapps.bsky.social , Matthew Rushworth, & @thepsychologist.bsky.social as well as @thechbh.bsky.social & others not on Bluesky!

Combining approaches from behavioural ecology 🐦 and decision neuroscience 🧠, here we show that deciding when to engage in prosocial behaviours depends on one's environment, which is critical to understand as environments change.

Computational modelling showed that opportunity costs of different environments were distinctly valued for others vs oneself.

Opportunity costs for others also related to levels of utilitarianism and empathy/motivation.

We found a robust environmental influence on decisions that benefit others.

People were more willing to interrupt their behaviour to help others in poor compared to rich environments.

Across 3 studies (total n=510) we used an ecological framework see how one's environment influences when we decide to help others vs ourselves.

Prosocial behaviours are essential for solving global challenges 🌎. Yet, these behaviours are typically measured using self-report or economic games which may not reflect the kinds of decisions from everyday life.