When an individual behaves in a manner that is selfless to aid another in need, it is considered altruism. While there are many factors that influence this trait, it is widely debated by psychological professionals. Altruism psychology deals with the intricacies of this behavior.
It is a commonly held belief that humans developed this particular behavior as a mechanism for survival. Some professionals believe that it is an innate behavior and base it upon the feeling of good that individuals develop as a result of performing the act. Two basic theories have been developed, reciprocal and hedonism.
An act that first appears to be selfless in nature, but then turns out to have benefits to the provider is hedonism. The reward may be immediate or take time to develop. The gain can also be on an emotional level for the individual performing the act.
Evolution has shown that acts which benefit both parties are a necessary part of survival. Reciprocal actions are better understood as a type of trade between two parties. There is definitely an individual in need, but the individual who helps gains in some manner by doing so.
Despite the general belief of the benefits to these actions, it is overshadowed by the bystander effect. This is seen best when a situation arises in which one person who is in need is faced by a group of people, the group is less likely to help the person in relation to if it were just one person who came in contact. A group will hold a general belief that there is someone else that can help the individual in need.
Whether in a social setting or religious application altruism psychology is a topic of great debate. This is a highly desirable personality trait, but the encouragement of the behavior is not often encouraged. The question remains if it is a natural desire or a developed one.
It is a commonly held belief that humans developed this particular behavior as a mechanism for survival. Some professionals believe that it is an innate behavior and base it upon the feeling of good that individuals develop as a result of performing the act. Two basic theories have been developed, reciprocal and hedonism.
An act that first appears to be selfless in nature, but then turns out to have benefits to the provider is hedonism. The reward may be immediate or take time to develop. The gain can also be on an emotional level for the individual performing the act.
Evolution has shown that acts which benefit both parties are a necessary part of survival. Reciprocal actions are better understood as a type of trade between two parties. There is definitely an individual in need, but the individual who helps gains in some manner by doing so.
Despite the general belief of the benefits to these actions, it is overshadowed by the bystander effect. This is seen best when a situation arises in which one person who is in need is faced by a group of people, the group is less likely to help the person in relation to if it were just one person who came in contact. A group will hold a general belief that there is someone else that can help the individual in need.
Whether in a social setting or religious application altruism psychology is a topic of great debate. This is a highly desirable personality trait, but the encouragement of the behavior is not often encouraged. The question remains if it is a natural desire or a developed one.
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