Altruism and pro-social behavior
It is said that a behavior is altruistic when help is given without expecting any personal benefit. A behavior is pro-social when it is meant to help another person. Why do some people tend more toward this type of behavior than others?
- One of the explanations suggests that altruistic behaviors are given to help family members and that the genetic inheritance thus survives. This explains the sacrifices that parents make for the well-being of their children.
Another one of the theories points towards reciprocity: the help would have an interested component, since it is lent waiting for it in turn in case of necessity.
There are also indications that there might be a genetic explanation for empathy, and more empathic people tend to provide help frequently.
Likewise, morality also influences pro-social behaviors. It seems that a person's desire to help depends more on moral standards than on the person's needs and the consequences of their help.
Finally, religion can also influence the pro-social behavior of individuals.