altruism

(noun)

Desire to help others even if the costs outweigh the benefits of helping.

Related Terms

  • prosocial behavior
  • norm
  • reciprocity

Examples of altruism in the following topics:

  • Altruism: Helping

    • Altruism, often referred to as selflessness, is the principle or practice of concern for the welfare of others.
    • Specifically, altruism is the desire to help others even if the costs outweigh the benefits of helping.
    • The empathy-altruism hypothesis states that psychological altruism does exist and is evoked by the empathic desire to help someone who is suffering.
    • Helping the homeless can be an example of empathic altruism or social responsibility—the helper doesn't get anything in return.
    • Distinguish among the social-exchange theory, the reciprocity norm, and the empathy-altruism hypothesis of altruism
  • Socioemotional Development in Childhood

    • Children raised in loving homes with affectionate parents are more likely to develop a sense of empathy and altruism, whereas those raised in harsh or neglectful homes tend to be more aggressive and less kind to others.
  • Allport's, Cattell's, and Eysenck's Trait Theories of Personality

    • Cardinal traits dominate and shape an individual's behavior, such as Ebenezer Scrooge’s greed or Mother Theresa’s altruism.
  • Group Therapy

    • Altruism: Group members share their strengths and experiences in order to help others.
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