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The Psychology of Altruism: WHY DO WE HELP OTHERS?

Helping is an act of kindness. Assisting another person in the task they are primarily interested in; however, this can be executed upon request or voluntarily. Altruism is considered an act of selflessness where an individual chooses to help without expecting anything in return, in whatever form. Being a social animal who lives by the principles of survival of the fittest, the altruistic behavior contrasts with the nature of homosapiens. Yet, the scientific community has various aspects put forward to make the understanding of altruism easier for the layman. 

Kin Selection

Kitayama, in 1994, through research work, demonstrated how humans have an inclination to help those who share or exhibit the slightest genetic similarity with themselves. Evolutionary psychologists suggest that the altruistic tendency is deeply rooted, as the innate behavior to build networks, groups, and socialize relies on the basis of helping and trust. This would help promote group dynamics, reduce unhealthy competition, and foster social balance.

Empathy as a motivator

The empathy-altruism hypothesis explains how empathy becomes the strongest motivator of behavior. C Daniel Batson, father of the above-mentioned hypothesis, delineates the brain’s reward system functioning, explaining how oxytocin and dopamine create a helper’s high. This enables us to feel others’ pain and urges us to relieve them of the same. The principle of reciprocity and responsibility suggests that we help others based on what we may get in return as well as our willingness to help them. Keating and colleagues also discuss another plausibility of why people choose to help. It is simply the vicarious joy of helping others. It makes us feel good about ourselves.

Negative State Relief Model

With a great amount of consensus on all that is discussed above, there are contrasting views. Humans decide to help just to make them feel less burdened by the guilt that they did nothing. The supporters of this model state that empathy is not necessary for helping. Unhappiness drives helping behavior. The slightest disturbance in the psychological equilibrium pushes an individual to behave in order to attain balance. Irrespective of the ability to feel empathy, the innate tendency to feel hedonic does the job in these cases. 

If prosocial behavior is driven by internal gratification or external appreciation as motivating factors, does altruism exist in its true sense?

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