Application of Altruism in Psychology

Kindness

One of the magnificent means of reaching across space and time with the main aim of touching the lives of people is through performing random acts of kindness. Making public and educating individuals on the importance of kindness certainly makes the world a better place. In each stride course of expanding knowledge there exists a chance to go deeper; to discover more about the capabilities of our divine nature. This is similar to kindness. Acts of kindness are actually not hard to perform. A motive is established, and you do it. It makes one feel very good (Random Acts of Kindness, n.d.).

Personal Encounter

Personally, I believe that there is nothing more fulfilling than doing a pleasant thing for another person. Just a few weeks ago I was at the corner store, and there was a woman standing ahead of me in line. When she was requested by the cashier to pay $38.00 she appeared to be very confused. She just had approximately $5.00 inside her wallet, and she started crying. The cashier became quite irritated with her and informed her that she could not purchase those things since she did not have sufficient funds. I told the cashier not to worry about the issue and that I would actually top up the difference that existed. I was given a funny look by the cashier; however, I really sympathized with this lady (Random Acts of Kindness, n.d.).

After paying for my groceries and leaving the store, I found the same lady standing outside. I decided to ask her what was bothering her. She told me she could not recall where she stayed and then busted into tears. I mentioned the name of some few streets in the vicinity but she had no idea. Just as I was speaking to the woman, a vehicle pulled up and a lady frantically jumped out of it. It was the woman's daughter. I told her that her mother had no clue of where she stayed. The daughter informed me that her mother suffered from Alzheimer's disease and that she had been straying of late. Later, the daughter realized that her mother had 3 grocery bags and wondered she had gotten the cash to pay for them. Though I was not quite certain whether to tell her that I was the one who paid for them, I still did (Random Acts of Kindness, n.d.).

The daughter wanted to refund me my money but I refused. I felt quite sorry for them since they did not appear like a well-off family. The daughter was very grateful. I felt very fulfilled and jovial all day long. I would actually do the same thing if I found myself in a similar situation again (Random Acts of Kindness, n.d.).

How does altruism apply to psychology or psychological principles?

As individuals mature, they are capable of utilizing a complicated set of processes to assist them in the understanding of the subjective encounters of other individuals. Even though significant variations amidst such processes are existent, 'empathy' is frequently utilized as their umbrella expression. The more the individual's ability to empathize, the more the likelihood of being altruistic. Training of the social skills enhances the empathizing abilities of individuals, and hence also enhances their ability to be altruistic. Nevertheless, it should be remembered that influence of, as well as violence towards others is also made more efficient through successfully taking their view point. Psychology has realized various techniques via which individuals can recognize and be concerned regarding the conditions of others. Studying these assists in the identification of what is actually significant and what is peripheral altruism and altruistic assistance. Secondly, Psychology offers a detailed evaluation of the circumstances in whereby altruism might or might not result into an assisting behavior. Thirdly, psychology has realized several factors which, when left unchecked, compromise effectual altruism. Lastly, psychology permits the identification of an empirically and theoretically informed plan for advancing a sincerely caring community (Farsides, 2007).

How does altruism improve the human condition? Are there limits to altruism?

Altruism is capable of improving both the physical as well as the psychological well-being of an individual. Hence, the internal reward of altruism- the feeling of satisfaction after performing a random act of kindness- not only counteracts negative thoughts and emotions which are harmful to the human condition but also the negative thoughts and emotions of the people who received assistance. However, there are limits to altruism. Such limits occur when altruism has the potential of jeopardizing the well0being of an individual or that of clients.