Pay It Forward

Pay It Forward

Altruism is giving freely of time, money, or acts of kindness and not expecting anything in return. The willful act of pushing 10 grocery carts into the cart corral on a cold, blustery day is considered altruism. The motivation of pushing the carts out of the way of other vehicles comes from understanding the frustration of walking to my vehicle and noticing a grocery cart next to my vehicle.

The Roles of Altruism, Responsibility, and Codependency

Altruism is the act of performing a good deed without expecting anything in return. Oftentimes, the giver receives the satisfaction of helping someone in need. According to Kichtenberg (2010), two main theories of altruism include kin selection and reciprocal altruism. Kin selection is a form of personal altruism; suggesting individuals perform acts of kindness to relatives to “promote the survival of our species” (, 2013, para. 2). Many people willingly help a family member before helping a stranger. Reciprocal altruism is the act of performing a good deed and receiving something in return, often a favor. Reciprocal altruism can often be found in professional and social areas and can be described as performing at or above expectations, professionally or socially, to receive recognition for such good deeds. Those who perform a good deed out of professional or social responsibility are not considered true altruism. Codependency can occur when either or both the behavior and reward become expected, such as in caretaking and people-pleasing. Individuals who become codependent typically have low self-esteem and poor boundaries; may use the act of altruism as a way to try to feel good about him- or her- self (Lancer, 2012).

Altruism in Psychology and Psychological Principles

Many psychologists help others without expecting anything in return. However, they are not acting altruistic because they are receiving a paycheck. Relationships that develop between client and professional can sometimes reflect a “oneness” that becomes based on helping instead of altruistic acts (Kruger, 2003). Therapists must place their clients’ needs ahead of their own, without expecting anything in return. Those that help others are in the position of “adaptive behaviors, allowing for the possibility of psychologically altruistic mechanisms that operate in a genetically egoistic manner” (Kruger, 2003, p. 123). Psychologists must maintain awareness of behavior and motivations; making sure they are always in the best interest of the client.

Improving Human Conditions with Altruism with Limitations

Altruism can promote positive behavior from others, to act unselfishly, aiding others for no other reason than to pay-it forward. Individuals are often motivated to help others, especially in times of need. However, there are limitations to altruism when individuals perform altruistic acts because they believe they have to, not because they want to; resulting in a “lack of self-respect, not altruism” (Lichtenberg, 2010, para. 16). Sacrificing our own needs for someone else is also not altruism. Individuals striving to reach his or her authentic self, often use altruism to help feel a connection to the world, a reason for existing, and to create a the world he or she desires to exist (Lichtenberg, 2010). Although controversy continues to surround the existence of true altruism, I believe the intent of the behavior is more important than the act of the behavior itself.

Personal and Professional Responsibilities to Altruism

Personal and professional responsibilities related to altruism include placing someone else’s needs above our own interests, without thinking about the rewards. Seeking altruism within a professional atmosphere can increase work productivity and general enjoyment while performing a service for others. A professional does not cross boundaries that would change the relationship responsibilities from professional to personal. Personal altruism helps the individual reach his or her authentic self. Following a code of conduct helps remind professionals and clients of boundaries; allowing each to reach their authentic self naturally and responsibly.

Altruistic Psychology in Contemporary Society

The psychology of altruism in contemporary society is focusing on the intention and perception of acts of kindness. According to Lichtenberg (2010), those who practice altruism often “feel they must do what they do, because it’s just part of who they are” (para. 15). Helping others at the expense of one’s own health and well-being may lead to a mental illness. The true act of altruism is performing an act out of pure desire to help someone in need, without negatively affecting one’s own health and well-being and not expecting a reward in return. Understanding the motivating factor for altruist behavior may uncover other possible subconscious reasons for the behavior; realizing the behavior may not have been as altruistic as previously thought.

References

Kruger, D.J. (2003). Evolution and altruism combining psychological mediators with naturally selected tendencies. Evolution and Human Behavior. 118-125. Retrieved from http://www-personal.umich.edu/~kruger/kruger-ehb-evolution%20and%20altruism.pdf

Lancer, D. (2012). Symptoms of Codependency. Psych Central. Retrieved from http://psychcentral.com/lib/symptoms-of-codependency/00011992

Lichtenberg, J. (Oct. 2010). Is Pure Altruism Possible? Opinionator. Retrieved from http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/10/19/is-pure-altruism-possible/?_r=1

Greater Good. (2013). What is altruism? Retrieved from http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/altruism/definition