Instead, it involves acting purely out of concern for the well-being of other people.
It plays a vital role in human connection, improving the lives of both recipients and givers.
In some cases, these acts of altruism lead people to jeopardize themselves to help others.
Verywell / Zoe Hansen
Such behaviors are often performed unselfishly and without any expectations of reward.
But altruism isn’t just dramatic, sweeping acts of heroism.
It can also be much smaller acts that people do every day to help others.
Some examples of altruism include:
Altruism isn’t just defined as life-saving heroism.
Even small acts of kindness and care are altruistic.
Types of Altruism
Psychologists have identified several different types of altruistic behavior.
These include:
What Causes Altruism?
While we may be familiar with altruism,social psychologistsare interested in understandingwhyit occurs.What inspires these acts of kindness?
What motivates people to risk their own lives to save a complete stranger?
Altruism is one aspect of what is known asprosocial behavior.
While all altruistic acts are prosocial, not all prosocial behaviors are completely altruistic.
We’re not sure why altruism exists, but psychologists have suggested a number of different explanations.
Prosocial behaviors such as altruism, cooperativeness, andempathymay also have a genetic basis.
Brain-Based Rewards
Altruism activates reward centers in thebrain.
Neurobiologists have found that when a person behaves altruistically, the pleasure centers of their brain become more active.
Environment
Interactions and relationships with others can also significantly influence altruistic behavior.
Socialization may have a significant impact on altruistic actions in young children.
In one study, kids as young as three expected others to reciprocate prosocial actions.
Before that age, kids tend to share indiscriminately without any specific expectations that their actions will be reciprocated.
It also showed that kids utilize reciprocal interactions strategically by age five.
Modeling altruistic actions can be an important way to foster prosocial and compassionate actions in children.
They did something for you, now you feel obligated to do something in return.
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