What are some of the potential risks involved when undertaking altruistic behavior? Provide evidence from research studies. Are these risks sufficient to discourage one from any form of altruism?

What will be an ideal response?


A caveat regarding altruism is that if the effort and time spent helping is too overtaxing it will cancel out the beneficial effects for the giver (Post, 2005). Further, service motivated by duty or obligation may not result in improved well-being for the helper (Walsh, 2011). Some forms of long-term caregiving (e.g., long-term care for a loved one with dementia) can even result in health impairment and diminished well-being (see Chapter 4). This is not to discourage any form of altruism since altruism in the form of long-term caregiving, for example, is the ultimate form of virtuous giving, but rather to mention some of the potential risks and benefits involved when undertaking any form of altruistic behavior.

Psychology

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Which measure also has an abbreviated quicktest?

a. Wonderlic b. Myers-Briggs c. Perceived Person—Environment Fit Scale d. Taylor-Russell

Psychology

Correctional officers have the full range of _______________ control over inmates, including loss of liberty through physical force if necessary.

Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).

Psychology

There are almost no well known people who suffer from

(a) major depression (b) manic depression (c) affective disorders (d) phobias (e) schizophrenia

Psychology

The assessment of hormone levels in the body is an example of a:

A) neurological technique B) self-report C) meta-analysis D) psychophysiological technique

Psychology