Altruism: A Psychological Analysis

If you find yourself in a disaster, helping others is most likely not your first thought. The more rational look for a way to make it safely, worrying about themselves first, and others second. In the Novel Hiroshima by John Hersey even though many of the main characters are hurt, run to assist others. These people who were in the thick of it lacked any real reason to help others, yet they still made the effort to try. The disaster that befell Hiroshima was an atrocity, however, it did bring the community closer. Compassion in all forms enthralls those who have nothing to gain to help others, regardless of the repercussions or sacrifices.

Why should students help pick up fellow classmate's books that he or she dropped? Why should people give to the homeless? Why should humans become organ donors? Altruism is defined as a person's ability to go out of their way to enhance the welfare of someone else without anything in return. But it's not the "what" of altruism that is intriguing, it's the "why" that is truly fascinating. Scientist and researches may never pinpoint what makes humans exhibit altruistic behavior, but there is one thing that scientist and researches are sure about. Altruism plays an important role in running society, and the world can use more of it.

Raising money and donating to good causes are just some of the many things that I like to do to serve my community, However showing empathy , tutoring, and volunteering are my favorite ways to serve others. Even in the smallest form possible, showing compassion with a servile attitude can positively affect not only the person you’re helping but also

Bartel (1976) defines prosocial behaviour as ‘behaviour that intentionally helps or benefits another person’. Batson (1987) defines altruism as ‘helping another person for no reward, and even at some cost to oneself.’ This definition of altruism seemingly depicts the behaviour as selfless, however there is a wealth of research which suggests that this is not the case.

I wasn’t aware of the importance of doing good for others, until recently that I witnessed it with my own eyes. It all started when was at Chicago, a random man helped out a homeless man and bought him some food. I noticed as I was in line that the cashier then gave the helping man a free choice to pick something he wanted due to the action he did. After that day I began to make an attempt at helping out more and being a better person in general.

Another example of how altruism can be viewed in today’s society can be seen in the works of Mother Teresa and her plethora of altruistic acts throughout the globe. Although her focus was in India where she persued her novitiate (training), her organization has opened over 500 centers around the world helping the dying and the destitute (Moore 2002, pg. x). She took in the “untouchables” of society and gave them care and made sure that they were comfortable. Mother Teresa is often used as the benchmark when determining whether a selfless act is truly altruistic.

An illustration of altruism was when Max put Freak on his shoulders. Numerous times in the book Freak the Mighty, Max puts Freak on his shoulders and they get-up-and-go on “adventures”. The two would fight bullies with Maxes size and Freaks non-floccinaucinihilipilification brain and reacquire abducted purses. Max was so adjoined with Freak, Freak salvaged Max's life. What happens was Max was kidnapped by Killer Kane and Mr.Kane was choking Loretta and Max started screaming “I saw you do it, I saw you kill her” and Mr.Kane gazed at Max like a reconnaissance. Then Freak came in with his water pistol and said it was acid and it will burn you. Killer Kane said “No that's a lie” but Freak squirted the acid in his eyes and Max and ran for it. So

With that being said, the two doubts about altruism being a good thing should be explained. First of all, altruistic acts are not always morally good. Imagine the organ donor being racist and this person wishes to donate or sell their organs, but only to a recipient of their own ethnicity. This person is doing an altruistic act but not a truly moral one. Certainly there are different ways in which an altruistic act could be considered wrong. Here are a couple of examples: The person who is doing the altruist act may be doing damage about

Altruism is when the actions of a person promote the best consequences for others, yet do not benefit the person who performed the act. Abruzzi and McGandy (2006) explain that Auguste Comte developed the term to support his ethical stance that humans are morally obliged to serve the interests of others,

Altruism refers to the concern for the welfare and well being of others without personal gains or

Altruism, in which one selflessly devotes to the welfare of another without expecting anything in return, often elicits an inexplicable and intangible surge of joy, in which one gains a sense of purpose. For example, I have observed the therapists at PRANA, whom altruistically devote up to an hour, when initially only allotted a half-hour time slot, programming individualized treatments for each patient. In their hour- long treatments, they create a non-fraternizing relationship with their patients that is fully functional on trust, empathy, and generosity. Devoting that extra time to each patient gives not only the

Further, another form for caring is altruism this is characterized as helping others without any benefits in return. Altruism is acting to enhance an individual’s welfare regardless of the actions and consequences that can be brought upon oneself.

Although theories that suggest the non-existence of true altruism may be persuasive, it does not explain the reasons for selfless deeds done by famous figures for their love and services to people such as Mother Teresa. Batson (1991) suggested a hypothesis and feels that some people are genuinely concerned about other people’s welfare. According to his empathy-altruism hypothesis, empathic concerns produce altruism motivation and relieving their sufferings is the main priority. This hypothesis is supported by several experiments where participants are typically given an opportunity to help those in need for whom they have been led to different levels of empathic concerns.

First, it is important to understand what altruism is. Altruism is any act carried out by an individual in order to benefit another individual. [1, 2] At first glance,

Altruism defined by Merriam Webster are the feelings and behaviors that show a desire to help other people and a lack of selfishness. When we help others there is a reward for us as well. In seniors there is often the desire to be “needed”. Although some struggle with self-worth or esteem issues, extending help to someone else can boost their low self- image. Members may ask questions of one another, or solicit their help. Supporting each other and providing feedback gives a pleasurable assignment of power by imparting advice (Bonhote et al.,608). This says to seniors that you are important and I “value” your opinion. Small acts of kindness and gratitude can do wonders for someone that is feeling invisible, lonely, or depressed.