Prosocial Behavior: Social Exchange, Empathy, And Altruism

Readings made me reason that main variables that lead to prosocial behavior (act performed in order to benefit others) are social exchange, empathy, and altruism. The social exchange theory posits that most of the acts that we derive from the desire to increase our rewards and minimize costs. Moreover, this theory considers that some individuals help others as a form of future investment; in other words, they help because they believe that the favor will be returned sooner or later. Besides, this theory considers that other people help others to relieve distress being felt as bystanders. Other people may be motivated to help others for recognition and approval of society since this would increase their feelings of self-worth. Social psychologist Daniel Batson states that people are more willing to help when they feel empathy. Conversely, if they do not feel such thing, they would not be prone to help or change their motives to any type of social exchange, (Aroson, Wilson, & Akert, 2007).

An altruistic person will help another person, regardless of the circumstances; that is, no matter the cost. An altruist individual will always be empathetic, (Aroson et al., 2007; Batson, Ahmad, & Tsang, 2002). Nevertheless, I consider that a person can be empathetic without necessary being altruistic. For instance, let us say that we are on our way a job interview. On your way you see a mother with her children with her car broken on the side of the road. A person with empathy may feel sorry for them, but might not stop because it could arrive late to its important appointment; still, decides to call 911 for help. An altruistic person would stop regardless of whether late for its appointment or