PSYC 215 Chapter Notes - Chapter 14: Daniel Batson, Janet Arnold, Truism

• School: McGill University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 215
• Professor: Mark Baldwin

Document Summary

Altruism = unselfish behaviour that benefits others without regards to the consequences for oneself. Humans are prone to feelings of compassion that lead us to behave in ways that benefit others who are suffering, even at a cost to ourselves. But some forces can inhibit altruistic action basic tendencies toward self-presentation & fear of embarrassment. Daniel batson proposes three motives for altruistic behaviour: social reward = a benefit such as praise positive attention, something tangible, or gratitude, that may be gained from helping others, and serves a motive for altruistic behaviour. Being esteemed & valued by others in the form of praise, an award, or acknowledgment in the mass media or social media, such as fb or insta, Those motivated by this act altruistically to enjoy the positive regard of others. Being esteemed by others activates circuits in the brain associated w/ rewards & personal safety.