ALTRUISM & HAPPINESS

Altruism as a common Behavioral Factor for Life Satisfaction

Abstract

Altruism is widely perceived as a highly desired personal characteristic and has remained so since the beginning of time. However, there is a need to shed light on the role and relevance of altruism in order for an individual to be happy. This paper presented an exploratory elaboration of the manner in which altruism can be expected to have a contribution to happiness. In order to do so, the research design adopted sought to highlight the multilateral perspectives on the subject. It was observed that people in search of contentment and happiness tend to be more likely to engage in altruism; hence implying that altruism can be perceived as a common factor for satisfaction in life.

Altruism as a common Behavioral Factor for Life Satisfaction

Introduction

The purpose of this discussion is to explore if altruistic love is essential for an individual to be happy. In order to do so, the discussion will shed light on cases that harbor altruism in order to ascertain if this particular behavioral factor allows the individuals who exercise it to remain content and happy.

It is imperative to note that in order to determine if altruism can lead to happiness, the first step is to identify the precise context in which happiness is being addressed. In this case, happiness is being addressed (and perceived) as contentment and satisfaction; and does not in any way relate to popularity or social acceptance. The idea is to ascertain if the presence of altruistic behavioral characteristics can be expected to contribute to contentment and satisfaction.

Discussion & Analyses

Individuals who are well-to-do frequently tend to engage in philanthropy on account of the fact that they can afford to do so (Batson, 2011). However, at the opposite end, there are those who choose to engage in an exercise that supersedes traditional philanthropy practices. Such individuals harbor a desire to benefit others and choose to commit their time and energy towards this desire (Biswas-Diener & Dean, 2010). They do not seek any form of personal gain and the degree of their commitment to the self-established cause does not waive with reliance on their abilities and capacities. Instead of waiting to become capable of giving to others comfortably, they begin giving to others so that others may become comfortable before they can consider personal comfort. Individuals who choose to do so with sincerity continue to exercise altruism because of the same reason that led them to initiate this particular behavior - because they find contentment in providing others with help and assistance (Scott & Seglow, 2007).

There are countless organizations that function without borders. Such organizations generally constitute volunteers who commit their efforts to the cause of the organization without demanding any form of remuneration (Post, 2002). Common sense dictates that an individual will not commit his/her efforts to an act unless there is a significant return that that can be anticipated upon the completion of the act (Arnold, 2007). However, in the case of altruistic individual, the ...