Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) Capstone Projects
Document Type
Working Paper
Date of this Version
8-25-2018
Abstract
Positive psychology is the scientific study and practice of what enables individuals and groups to thrive. Positive psychologists emphasize the significant impact social relationships have on our well-being. This paper explores altruism, which is behavior motivated by the unselfish goal of helping others. Positive altruism occurs when altruistic behavior increases the welfare of both the benefactor and beneficiary. Research suggests that the source of altruism is empathy, which is an other-focused emotional response that is elicited by and congruent with the perceived welfare of another person. While empathy can lead us to help unselfishly, it can also create bias in decision making and lead to emotional exhaustion. Loving-kindness meditation is one practice that helps lead to positive altruism: it promotes empathy, while protecting against burnout. Research supports the link between altruistic behavior and increased health and well-being. Altruistic behavior can also facilitate post-traumatic growth (PTG). Further research on how we can facilitate positive altruism would have positive implications on the field of positive psychology.
Keywords
altruism, empathy, post-traumatic growth, positive altruism, altruism born of suffering, survivor mission, positive relationships, helping, egoism
Topic
Well-Being/Flourishing, Character Strengths and Virtues, Health/Wellness, Relationships
Format
Literature Review
Included in
Mental and Social Health Commons, Psychological Phenomena and Processes Commons, Psychology Commons, Public Health Commons, Social Welfare Commons
Date Posted: 11 September 2018