Altruism and Helping Behavior

Abstract

Helping behaviors are actions that are designed to assist another person with a problem or to relieve their distress. In this article, we review the research that seeks to understand when and why people help others, across a continuum of action, from spontaneous help (often in emergencies) to episodic help to long-term help epitomized by volunteerism. We outline a process model of helping that focuses on its antecedents, experiences, and consequences, including its motivational underpinnings (differentiating altruism from egoism), and the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors experienced by helpers. Consequences for helpers and the recipients of their help, as well as for their relationship, and the larger societal context are also reviewed.