Abstract
An empirical study is devoted to the study of ideas about altruism and selfishness of students with different levels of empathy. The socio-psychological phenomena of altruism and egoism have different causes and manifestations, as well as different external and internal factors that strengthen or restrain their manifestations. One of the main factors is the influence of a person's personal characteristics. The study examines the relationship of ideas about altruism and selfishness with the level of empathy of students. Empathy was studied using a diagnostic technique, and representations were studied using a content analysis method. The study compared three groups of students: those with high levels of empathy, those with medium levels, and those with low levels of empathy. It is shown that students have an ambiguous attitude to altruism and selfishness, highlighting both the pros and cons of helping behavior. Differences were identified in the following categories: positive and negative associations associated with the words "altruism" and "egoism"; ideas about the negative consequences of altruism and ideas about the positive consequences of egoism; ideas about gender influence on altruism and selfishness of the individual; ideas about personal determinants of altruism and selfishness; students ' ideas about the expression of altruism and selfishness in themselves. It is proved that students with different levels of empathy have differences in the features of ideas about altruism and selfishness.
Highlights
Altruism is a psychological phenomenon, but perhaps more of a social phenomenon
The concept of " altruism "as opposed to the concept of" egoism " is the subject of research and discussion in the philosophical, sociological and psychological Sciences, and there is no single point of view either in the definition of the concept or in the understanding of its content until now
The aim of the study is to identify the features of ideas about altruism in students with different levels of empathy
Summary
Altruism is a psychological phenomenon, but perhaps more of a social phenomenon. Since altruism is considered as one of the social representations, in everyday consciousness the understanding of its essence corresponds to the realities of today. Despite the fact that most people understand altruism as selfless helping behavior towards other people or society as a whole, sometimes contrary to their own interests, there are many nuances and contradictions in the understanding of this socio-psychological phenomenon. Within the framework of different disciplinary approaches, preference is given either to the evolutionary, genetic interpretation of the origin and development of altruism [1,2,3], or to the emphasis on the social aspect when explaining the selfless mutual assistance of strangers and understanding altruism as the opposite of egoism, but not contradictory, but complementary phenomena [4]
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