PSYC 104 Chapter Notes - Chapter 14: Empathic Concern, Prosocial Behavior, Pluralistic Ignorance
Document Summary
Altruism- unselfish behavior that benefits others without regard to consequences for the self. Daniel batson proposed that 3 motives are at play in altruistic action. Social rewards motive- benefits like praise, positive attention, tangible rewards, honors, and gratitude that may be gained from helping others. People motivated by social rewards give greater social status and power to others who act altruistically. Personal distress motive- motive for helping those in distress that may arise from a need to reduce one"s own distress. We innately respond to others" distress with distress of our own. Ex) infant cries when it hears crying, when we see someone in pain our brain areas for pain are activated. Most direct way of alleviating our own distress is to reduce distress of the other person. Empathic concern motive- identifying with another person (feeling and understanding what they are experiencing) accompanied by the intention to help the person in need.
