The Definition of Altruism And Altruistic Behavior

The definition of altruism, according to the American Psychological Association (APA), is “an apparently unselfish behavior that provides benefit to others at some cost to the individual.” The definition of altruism is the practice of acts of kindness and compassion simply for the sake of showing care to others, stemming from a sense of empathy. Below, you can learn more about the definition of altruism, the potential benefits of practicing altruism, and what research says about altruistic behavior.

Altruistic behavior definition

Altruism can take many forms. The only criterion for altruism is that it involves selfless behavior, like showing kindness to or helping someone else without expecting anything in return. An altruistic act can be organized and planned ahead of time, or altruism can be spur-of-the-moment when you see that someone needs assistance or support. You might feel compelled to offer material support, physical support, or emotional support as altruism in various situations. A few examples of deeds of altruism include:

• Returning a lost wallet
• Helping a parent carry their stroller up or down the stairs
• Donating money to a positive cause
• Regularly calling an isolated relative just to chat
• Offering a listening ear with good intentions to a friend or neighbor
• Advocating for political change
• Volunteering for a nonprofit organization

If you’re looking to practice altruism in your life, it might be helpful to think about your strengths and the opportunities for altruism around you. For instance, if you have knowledge of basic home repairs, you could offer to do a few things around the house for an elderly neighbor who lives alone as an altruistic act. If you’re good with words, you could send a friend a thoughtful text or post an encouraging message in a public place as an altruistic act. Each person has something they can contribute through altruism.

Altruism across the lifespan: Why humans act altruistically

Research suggests that even children can act altruistically at times. This suggests that altruistic behavior may play an important role in human nature. It may even have a role in evolutionary biology, as suggested by research on evolution, kin selection, and survival in some species. In humans, altruism across the lifespan can foment social attachment and increase cooperation across different groups. 

Benefits of altruism

Altruism, a key concept in human psychology, benefits the recipient of the altruistic deed, but altruism can also benefit the giver's welfare and the broader community. Take a look at some of the potential benefits that engaging in altruistic acts can produce. 

Altruistic behavior and stress

Altruistic acts can affect the part of the brain responsible for pleasure and reward, which is why it can feel good to do something altruistic for someone else. Research shows that positive emotions like these can be powerful, as they can be vehicles for personal growth and social connection. Since other studies suggest that people with a more positive affect may be better able to cope with stress, altruism may increase your resilience overall.

Altruism and health

Research into human altruism indicates that volunteering specifically may offer some health benefits. One study suggests that altruism may be “significantly related to better health outcomes” in the form of improved mental health, physical health, social well-being, and life satisfaction. This may be because altruistic activities like volunteering give people a sense of purpose and accomplishment and expose them to new social circles. Research has shown that mental health is often closely connected to physical health and the overall well-being of the human body. Therefore, altruistic habits may benefit both mental and physical health.

Altruistic behavior

Whether at a young age or later in life, being an altruistic person may help improve a person’s longevity. Formally volunteering for an organization isn’t the only form of altruism; providing social and emotional support to people in your life and community via companionship, advice, or a listening ear is another powerful form of altruism. Evolutionary scientists suggest that showing altruism and social support to others has a positive correlation with longevity, so offering this type of altruistic support to those around you could benefit you in this way as well.

Benefits of altruism

If you have a tendency to act altruistically within your family, neighborhood, school, or workplace, you may help make these better places for everyone. In contrast to psychological egoism, your altruistic actions may inspire additional acts of altruism. Research indicates that this effect of altruism may be a scientifically verifiable phenomenon. One study reports that giving now is associated with a 66–200% increase in the probability of giving later, which suggests that  altruism begets altruism.

Possible challenges of altruism

In some cases, a person may perform acts of altruism while neglecting their own needs. When people sacrifice themselves in high-risk situations, such as to save lives, this can be detrimental to their own lives and to those under their care, such as their children. For this reason, individuals may benefit from developing self-awareness to know when to engage in altruism and when to take a step back.  

Altruism and mental health

There are a variety of altruistic strategies you can try to improve or maintain your mental health over time. Engaging in acts of altruism toward others is one such practice you might incorporate into your routine. Therapy is another example of a practice that some choose to pursue to support their mental health. A therapist can provide support for many of life’s challenges, such as depression and anxiety, relationship conflicts, major life changes, low self-esteem, and many other situations.

Some people who seek therapy find that having virtual sessions from their home is the most comfortable format for them. Since research suggests that online therapycan be as effective as in-person sessions in many cases, you can feel empowered to choose whichever format feels right for you. An online therapy service like BetterHelp can match you with a therapist with whom you can meet virtually—via phone, video call, and/or in-app messaging—if that’s your preference.