What drives people who do everything for the sake of others? Exploring all the mechanisms of altruism

Altruism is a selfless concern for the well-being of others. It manifests itself in acts of kindness, help or support. Today, the concept represents an integral part of the social structure and interpersonal relationships.

History of altruism

The concept of altruism has deep roots in philosophy and sociology. The French philosopher Auguste Comte first introduced the term into scientific circulation and considered it a driving force for social change.

In sociology, altruism is seen as a key element of social dynamics. In different eras, the emphasis has varied from duties to society to a more individualized understanding of caring for one’s neighbors.

For example, French sociologist Emile Durkheim believed that altruistic acts provide mutual aid, maintain social bonds, and promote sustainability.

In psychology, this phenomenon was addressed directly or indirectly by Anna Freud (“The Ego and Defense Mechanisms”), Sigmund Freud (“Sadness and Melancholy”, “On Narcissism”), Erich Fromm (“The Soul of Man”, “The Art of Loving: An Inquiry into the Nature of Love”), Karen Horney (“The Neurotic Personality of Our Time”).

Altruism in psychology

Anna Freud believed that altruism was a veiled way of satisfying one’s desires “through other people’s hands” by means of projection. Roughly speaking, the altruist does not allow himself to want anything and projects his need onto a social group. After providing a service, he satisfies his unconscious desire.

For example, regular participation in a nighttime search for missing people. A man who has a strained relationship with his wife readily gets involved. It’s a legal way to get out of the house. The man satisfies his need by passing it off as concern for others. The unconscious desire nevertheless does not diminish the conscious altruistic impulse.

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Clinical analytical psychologist, master’s degree in psychology, lecturer in psychoanalysis

“In the psychoanalytic approach, altruism is a psychic defense mechanism, a compensation for a suppressed egoistic motive. The weak Ego suppresses and displaces its own desires. It replaces them with selflessness and self-sacrifice in order not to destroy the opinion of itself. This is how the Ego maintains a positive self-esteem.”

Psychological mechanisms

When it comes to altruism and its psychological foundations, we inevitably encounter mental defense mechanisms. These underlie the formation of selfless concern for others. The three key mechanisms are suppression, displacement, and projection.

Suppression is a strategy in which a person willfully excludes certain thoughts, feelings, or desires from consciousness. It is often used to hide selfish tendencies. It helps to avoid internal conflicts while maintaining harmony.

Displacement is the movement of unwanted thoughts, feelings, or memories into the unconscious realm to avoid negative emotional states. It creates a sense that concern for others comes from the deepest part of the soul.

Projection is a mechanism in which personal feelings, thoughts, or desires are appropriated by others. For example, a woman, due to moral inhibitions, cannot afford to buy luxurious outfits. Then she spends money on beautiful clothes that she will send to an orphanage for babies.

According to Anna Freud, altruistic character traits are inherent in personalities with rigid and rigid moral attitudes. When the rigid controlling Super Ego – personal morality, conscience, ethics – suppresses natural needs and urges too much, the inner self resorts to the defense mechanism of “projection.” By helping another to satisfy a desire, the altruist may experience joy in parallel. However, this happens indirectly rather than directly.

Types of altruism

When providing assistance, each finds its own purpose. This can be both the desire for profit, and internal norms of morality. Three types of altruism are distinguished: reciprocal, emotional, strategic.

Reciprocal (mutual) – rendering assistance aimed at reciprocal altruistic actions in the future. It is a beneficial exchange between two or more people.

For example, reciprocity in a team. The so-called “circularity”, a certain moral attitude to cooperation. You help, but you remember that in the future you are owed a favor if needed. The same goes for accepting help. If a person shows selfless concern, the other party feels morally indebted.

Strategic altruism is more characteristic of people with a rational approach to life. It is an attempt to replace real empathy with mutually beneficial cooperation. However, it is based on mutual benefit to each other, without emotional intimacy.

How can it manifest itself in life? A coworker gives you a ride to work, hoping to shift some of the tasks. This is a type of manipulative behavior, where instead of a direct request, conditions are created in which it will be difficult for a person to refuse.

Emotional altruism is based on empathy, sympathy and affiliation – the need for affection. It is aimed at a broad cross-section of society and can be seen as humanity. This type is not a defense mechanism if taking a positive part in the lives of loved ones is a genuine desire.

Evolutionary aspect

The theories of kin altruism and the “selfish gene” have been developed within biology and anthropology. They have gained considerable acceptance in the scientific world. According to nature, concern for the welfare of others is based on mechanisms that promote development in the context of natural selection.

The concept of relational altruism was proposed by William Hamilton. He considered selfless behavior to be beneficial for the survival of the entire species and the transmission of common genes to the next generations. An individual may sacrifice his own reproduction for the welfare of others.

A similar concept was put forward by Richard Dawkins in his book The Selfish Gene. It states that the life purpose of each individual is to pass on its genes. However, here altruism can manifest itself indirectly and affect anyone if it is beneficial for survival. Selfish genes are not a conscious choice. It’s how nature “programs” us to pay attention to others to ultimately help ourselves.

Why is altruism necessary?

Altruism plays a key role in forming healthy social bonds. It provides a mechanism for mutual aid and support between society. Volunteering, philanthropy and showing concern for others without profit foster an atmosphere of mutual trust and cooperation.

A person living in favor of the good of another can cause society to want to do the same. People tend to imitate behavior that is considered desirable and approved of. This phenomenon is known as the “roll call effect” or social contagion. Selfless caring will strengthen social bonds. In addition, an altruist can create a just society. This behavior promotes social solidarity, support and help others.

Also, altruism is needed for a sense of basic security, reducing tension in society. It is a broadcast of humanistic values, where there is an atmosphere of emotional openness and acceptance. In such a world, friendship, the feeling of being on equal footing and the absence of belittling and suppression are important.

It is important to note that altruism is a compensation for egoistic motivations only in the presence of a rigid Super Ego. It can be considered true if it is a character trait that reflects a personal value system.

Caring for the well-being of others is not just an ideal concept, but a life practice that can transform relationships between people. It builds trust, cohesion and resilience. We can all contribute to a better society by practicing altruism in our daily lives.

Start small: smile at a passerby, offer help to a neighbor, support a friend. Each step of kindness will move humanity toward well-being and progress.