Social relationships have become a fundamental need for every individual. Altruism is a basic human trait. God Almighty created humans as social beings, so we cannot escape our nature, which is to need other people to live alongside us. From these basic human needs arise interactions and social life, which often have dynamics that no one can predict.

What is Altruism?

The term altruism comes from the Latin word “alter,” which means “other.” In his book Altruism in Humans, Batson argues that altruism is a desire to benefit others rather than oneself.

Furthermore, according to Auguste Comte, there are two types of altruism: altruistic and selfish helping. Altruistic helping is helping that comes purely from sincerity without expecting anything in return from others, whereas selfish helping is helping in order to gain something for oneself.

What are the characteristics of people who possess altruism?

There are five characteristics that can be observed in altruistic people, namely:

1. Empathy: People with altruistic behavior have a great sense of empathy, so they feel responsible, give a good impression to others, and adapt to their environment.

2. Believing in world justice, an altruistic attitude makes a person believe that every wrongdoing will surely be punished and every good deed will surely be rewarded with goodness.

3. Social responsibility: altruistic people feel that it is their duty to help anyone who needs assistance.

4. Internal self-control; all motivation for what altruistic people do comes from within themselves.

5. People with low egos and altruistic attitudes will prioritize the common good over their own interests.

What Are the Benefits of Being Altruistic?

When helping others with altruistic behavior, it is not only the people we help who benefit. Here are some benefits for ourselves if we have altruistic behavior.

1. Better Mental Health: People who frequently help others tend to experience lower levels of stress and depression. Helping others releases hormones such as dopamine and oxytocin, which increase feelings of happiness.

2. Satisfaction and Meaning in Life: Doing good deeds can give you a sense of accomplishment, purpose in life, and deeper meaning.

3. Increased Self-Esteem: Altruistic actions often make a person feel better about themselves because they feel useful and are making a positive contribution.

Reference

Batson, C. D. (2014). The Altruism Question; Toward a Sosial Psychological Answer

(1st ed.).https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315808048

Batson,C.D.(2011).AltruisminHumans.NewYork:OxfordUniversityPress. Myers, D. G. (2012). Psikologi Sosial, Jakarta: Salemba Humanika.