Study: Humans Have an Inclination to Help Others, but with Limits
Many people may believe that the majority are hesitant to help each other and that the values of altruism and support are almost nonexistent among humans. However, research and studies have categorically refuted this belief by observing spontaneous actions of a large group of individuals in different countries.
A new study revealed that people have a natural inclination to help others and willingly offer small services even before being asked.
The study was conducted across several countries, including Australia, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
During the study, researchers examined various video recordings showcasing the real-life daily activities of a diverse group of people from different environments and cultures. They found that people responded to requests for help around 80% of the time and rarely refused or ignored them.
The researchers also discovered that people helped strangers as much as they helped their own family members.
But what kind of help?
The researchers pointed out that people’s willingness to assist others included simple and minor services that did not entail significant risks or, in other words, did not cause any trouble.
The researchers affirmed that humans have an innate tendency to help others, which is supported by previous studies showing that helping others benefits one’s own health and well-being, leading to improved health, increased self-esteem, and a longer life.
Signs That Indicate You Care About Others at the Expense of Yourself
While helping others is crucial, some individuals may sometimes go overboard in caring for others at the expense of their own interests and well-being.
These signs indicate that you prioritize the interests and happiness of others over yourself.
In her discussion on the topic for the morning program on Sky News Arabia, psychological and social consultant Karen Ilya says:
There are various theories about altruism, especially excessive altruism in individuals.
Several factors contribute to this, including environmental factors related to a person’s upbringing and the society they grew up in.
The act of giving has always been a social norm since ancient times.
Studies have proven that every act of giving triggers a reward through hormonal secretions released by the brain.
When talking about giving, we are referring to individuals whose existence revolves around others, prioritizing caring for and helping others, and their focus is not centered on self-concerns.
People who dedicate themselves to giving have a strong social inclination, according to some theories.
Those who struggle to give are individuals who have faced past shocks from giving that resulted in negative outcomes.
Some individuals find it difficult to set boundaries for the giving they do towards others, especially when faced with the recipients’ eagerness for more giving.
