Altruism

What is altruism
Behavior is normally described as altruistic when it is motivated by a desire to benefit

someone other than oneself for that person's sake. The term is used as the contrary of “self-
interested” or “selfish” or “egoistic”—words applied to behavior that is motivated solely by
the desire to benefit oneself.
What Is Altruism?
Altruism is the unselfish concern for other people—doing things simply out of a desire to
help, not because you feel obligated to out of duty, loyalty, or religious reasons. It involves
acting out of concern for the well-being of other people.
In some cases, these acts of altruism lead people to risk themselves to help others. Such
behaviors are often performed unselfishly and without any expectations of reward. Other
instances, known as reciprocal altruism, involve taking actions to help others with the
expectation that they will offer help in return.1
Examples of Altruism
Everyday life is filled with small acts of altruism, from holding the door for strangers to
giving money to people in need. News stories often focus on grander cases of altruism, such
as a man who dives into an icy river to rescue a drowning stranger or a donor who gives
thousands of dollars to a local charity.
Some examples of altruism include:
 Doing something to help another person with no expectation of reward
 Forgoing things that may bring personal benefits if they create costs for others
 Helping someone despite personal costs or risks
 Sharing resources even in the face of shortage
 Showing concern for someone else's well-being
Types of Altruism
Psychologists have identified several different types of altruistic behavior. These include:
 Genetic altruism: As the name suggests, this type of altruism involves engaging in
altruistic acts that benefit close family members. For example, parents and other
family members often engage in acts of sacrifice in order to provide for the needs of
family members.
 Reciprocal altruism: This type of altruism is based on a mutual give-and-take
relationship. It involves helping another person now because they may one day be
able to return the favor.
 Group-selected altruism: This involves engaging in altruistic acts for people based
upon their group affiliation. People might direct their efforts toward helping people
who are part of their social group or supporting social causes that benefit a specific
group.
 Pure altruism: Also known as moral altruism, this form involves helping someone
else, even when it is risky, without any reward. It is motivated by internalized values
and morals.
Evolution
Psychologists have long debated whether some people are just born with a natural tendency
to help others, a theory that suggests that altruism may be influenced by genetics.
Kin selection is an evolutionary theory that proposes that people are more likely to help
those who are blood relatives because it will increase the odds of gene transmission to future
generations, thus ensuring the continuation of shared genes.2 The more closely the individuals
are related, the more likely people are to help.
Prosocial behaviors such as altruism, cooperativeness, and empathy may also have a genetic
basis.3
Brain-Based Rewards
Altruism activates reward centres in the brain. Neurobiologists have found that when a person
behaves altruistically, the pleasure centers of their brain become more active.
Engaging in compassionate actions activates the areas of the brain associated with the reward
system.4 The positive feelings created by compassionate actions then reinforce altruistic
behaviors.
Environment
Interactions and relationships with others have a major influence on altruistic behavior, and
socialization may have a significant impact on altruistic actions in young children.
In one study, children who observed simple reciprocal acts of altruism were far more likely to
exhibit altruistic actions. On the other hand, friendly but non-altruistic actions did not inspire
the same results.1
Modeling altruistic actions can be an important way to foster prosocial and compassionate
actions in children.
Observing prosocial behavior seems to lead to helping behavior among adults as well (though
the extent to which this occurs varies based on factors like gender, culture, and individual
context).5
Social Norms
Society's rules, norms, and expectations can also influence whether or not people engage
in altruistic behavior. The norm of reciprocity, for example, is a social expectation in which
we feel pressured to help others if they have already done something for us.1
For example, if your friend loaned you money for lunch a few weeks ago, you'll probably feel
compelled to reciprocate when they ask you if they can borrow $100. They did something for
you, now you feel obligated to do something in return.
Incentives
While the definition of altruism involves doing for others without reward, there may still be
cognitive incentives that are not obvious. For example, we might help others to relieve our
own distress or because being kind to others upholds our view of ourselves as kind
people.4 Other cognitive explanations include:
 Empathy: People are more likely to engage in altruistic behavior when they feel
empathy for the person in distress, a suggestion known as the empathy-altruism
hypothesis.4 Children also tend to become more altruistic as their sense of empathy
develops.
 Helping relieve negative feelings: Altruistic acts may help alleviate the negative
feelings associated with seeing someone else in distress, an idea referred to as the
negative-state relief model. Essentially, seeing another person in trouble causes us to
feel upset, distressed, or uncomfortable, but helping them reduces these negative
feelings.
Impact of Altruism
While altruism can have some drawbacks when taken to extremes, it is a positive force that
can benefit both you and others. Altruism has a wide range of benefits, like:
 Better health: Behaving altruistically can improve physical health in a variety of

ways. People who volunteer have better overall health, and regularly engaging in
helping behaviors is linked to a significantly lower mortality.6
Better mental well-being: Doing good things for other people can make you feel
good about yourself and the world. Research shows that people experience increased
happiness after doing good things for other people.7
 Better romantic relationships: Being kind and compassionate can also lead to
a better relationship with your partner, as kindness is one of the most important
qualities that people across all cultures seek in a romantic partner.8
In addition to these benefits, engaging in altruism can also help improve social

connections and relationships, which can ultimately play a part in improving health and
wellness.

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What is altruism

Behavior is normally described as altruistic when it is motivated by a desire to benefit

Some examples of altruism include:

 Doing something to help another person with no expectation of reward

 Helping someone despite personal costs or risks

 Sharing resources even in the face of shortage

 Showing concern for someone else's well-being

 Better health: Behaving altruistically can improve physical health in a variety of

In addition to these benefits, engaging in altruism can also help improve social

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