Abstract

Abstract When we feel empathic concern, do we seek an empathy-specific boost to our esteem? This pride hypothesis was tested against the empathy–altruism hypothesis by looking at (a) mood change after individuals feeling high (vs. low) empathy for a person in need learn that, without their help, the person is no longer in need; (b) mood change after individuals learn that, through no personal fault, their help fails to remove the need; and (c) the association of reward-relevant thoughts with the helping of those feeling high empathy. Results of experiments using each technique failed to support the pride hypothesis; they supported the empathy–altruism hypothesis instead. Based on these and all the previous results, it seemed time to conclude that the motivation produced by empathic concern must be altruistic. But this conclusion was premature. Colleagues proposed two new egoistic explanations, each of which could explain all the apparent support for the altruism hypothesis. Their proposals extended the search.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.