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Altruism and Prosocial Behavior Week 4 DQ1

This discussion examines altruism and prosocial behavior, addressing the psychological theories behind helping behavior.

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    Week 4 DQ1 Altruism and Prosocial Behavior Examine the concept of altruism and altruistic behavior. What does it mean for someone to behave altruistically? What is gained from this action, and how does it differ from egoistic behavior? What are some reasons why people would want to help one another, without regard for personal gain or benefit? In addition, explain the bystander effect. If we all have a genuine desire to help one another, why is the effect so common? How can we prevent it from occurring? When our behavior is motivated purely for the interest of others and not self - interest, we are being altruistic; “ your ultimate goal was the happiness of the other person,” (Feenstra, 2011). I experienced a good example of altruistic behavior and paid it forward: I usually go to a drive through coffee shop each morning before work. On a couple of occasions I went to pay and was told the car ahead of me paid for my drink. It was not a person I knew, not even someone who saw who I was. So I have done the same for the car behind me on a couple occasions just to brighten someone else’s day. Even though I felt good about myself for doing something for someone else, my true goal was to help out another person. Another example: my sister just gave birth to her first baby; they are going home today from the hospital after being there for two nights. Last night, I stayed up a bit later and fixed them some dinner and dropped it off at her house so they would have a nice, home - cooked meal without having to worry about making it themselves on their first day back home. I did not do this for any self - recognition, just because I love my family and wanted to help in any way I could. Egoistic behavior is self - motivated. A person is thinking for their own interests and well - being and no one else’s. If an individual does something nice for someone else, but their intentions for doing so are to benefit themselves, that is egoistic behavior. An action may outwardly appear to be polite and for the other person’s benefit, but if the individual had ulterior motives, it is not altruistic. There are many reasons behind altruistic behavior one being just to help. Reciprocity, social norm, and empathy are other examples on why we want to help. If an individual does a favor for their friend, they may then expect to get help in return when the situation arises. People tend to help others when they empathize with the individual. (Feenstra, 2011). The bystander effect consists of five critical steps. Step one: Noticing an event is occurring; Step two: interpreting an event as an emergency; Step three: taking responsibility for helping; Step four: deciding how to help; Step five: helping. Whether an individual follows through with each step is the key. The effect is common because many individuals will falter at actually helping. They may feel embarrassed or self - conscious for stepping out. There are several actions we can take to reduce the effect from occurring. If we are in or notice an emergency situation, we need to make it noticeable to others such as yelling, flare/flashlight, waving our arms, or signs. It is very important to make it clear that the situation is an actual emergency. Another great step is to single someone out to help; be specific rather than addressing a crowd. Those steps among others would make a large difference.

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