Samantha Green

English 112-07
July 10, 2016
Professor Intawiwat
Final Draft Notes
Its Good to do Good

Slide 1:
Altruism means different things to different people. Thomas Nagel, professor of
philosophy and law emeritus at NYU, says that altruism is, a willingness to act in consideration
of the interests of the other person, without the need of ulterior motive (Ricard). Philosopher
Stephen Post thinks of altruism as, unselfish delight in the well-being of others, and engagement
in acts of care and service on their behalf. Unlimited love extends to all others without exception,
in an enduring way (Ricard). Francis Hutcheson believed that altruism is about motivations
stating that it was, not some few accidental motions of compassion, natural affection, or
gratitude; but such a fixed humanity, the desire for the public good of all those to whom our
influence can extend, a desire that regularly leads us to learn correctly the best way to serve the
interests of humanity. These are all fine definitions that do not set too many parameters on
altruism. They encompass the many different ways that a person can behave altruistically

whether they be donating a kidney, volunteering at a homeless shelter or offering a kind word to
a stranger. These definitions emphasize unselfish motives. A genuine care for another persons
well-being.
Slide 2:
There are many different theories behind altruisms causes. Some believe that it is purely
biological stating that genetics, instinct or age are what influence some to become altruists
(Post). Others believe that altruism is linked to emotion. That altruism is caused by empathy,
compassion, love, mood or an extension of parental concern (Ricard). Still, there are others that
attribute altruism to personal values (Ricard) and cultural influences (Post). Whether you accredit
altruistic behavior to our genetic makeup or our moods, it has a huge benefit to us physically,
psychologically and socially.

Slide 3
Altruism has many benefits. Physically, many studies over the years have shown that
altruism increases our longevity (Post). Psychologically, altruism has been linked to higher rates
of self- acceptance, self-esteem, self-worth and a more positive self-image (Soosai-Nathan). It
can lead to better relationships, life satisfaction, enhancement in meaning of life (Soosai-Nathan)
and positive emotional responses (Miller). These are benefits that are supported by years of
research and multiple studies. However, for the purposes of this presentation, I am only going to
go into three.

Slide 4
The first study was conducted by Dr. Lawrence Soosai-Nathan, an author and counselor.
This cross- cultural study looks at 432 women in India and Italy ages 30-60. The study
hypothesizes that higher levels of altruism can lead to higher levels of presence of meaning
and lower levels of search for meaning. They used the Meaning of Life Questionnaire and The
Altruism Questionnaire to test their hypothesis. The results showed higher levels of presence of
meaning and no decrease in search for meaning. What does this mean? According to Selfdetermination theory, finding your meaning in life is necessary for a coherent human life course.
Search for meaning is not directly opposite to presence of meaning in life. Frankl regarded mans
search for meaning as a crucial purpose in life, especially during hard times. He believed it was
essential to personal growth. (Soosai-Nathan)

Slide 5
This study is a pilot study, a study that is the precursor of more studies to come and the
first of its kind. Conducted by Kimberly D Miller, this study attempts to show the benefits to
special needs youth and young adults. The facilitators consisted of one faculty member and four
undergraduate students studying therapeutic recreation. The study was conducted over the space
of one year. Participants included 10 disabled students volunteering in both semesters and 10
undergraduate students volunteering per semester. The students were paired up (1:1) and were
given the task of developing and maintaining the Trail of Peace at the World Peace Museum.
The results showed an increase in involvement, positive emotional responses and an increased

sense of purpose from the disabled volunteers. One of the non-verbal students showed a marked
difference. By the end of the first semester he was engaged and quite verbal, this included
initiating social interactions with peers. Field notes also showed a decrease in self-stimulatory
behavior such as arm flapping and body rocking in their students with autism. (Miller)

Slide 6
This study by MJ Poulin, theorizes that altruism can reduce mortality rates caused by
stress. They examined data from 846 participants in a study in Detroit, Michigan over the age of
65. Participants were interviewed about the previous years stressful events and whether they had
engaged in volunteering and helping-behaviors. Their mortality rates and time to death were
monitored for 5 years using obituaries and monthly state death records. After adjusting for age
and other factors, the results revealed that stress did not predict mortality risk in participants who
engaged in altruism. However, stress did predict mortality risk in those not volunteering or
helping others. (Swartzburg)
Slide 7
Unfortunately, to go through all of the studies that back up my claims regarding the
benefits of altruism would take a lot more slides. The point is that altruism has many benefits
that contribute to our well-being. Some may still be unknown to researchers. However, I have
shown you three studies in which altruism has not just benefited the individual receiving but the
one giving. I think Dr. Lawrence Soosai-Nathan said it best, altruism does not only enhance

individual psychological well-being but also becomes a pathway in ones effort to self-actualize
and become fully human. (Soosai- Nathan) Its an added bonus that it increases your life span!

Slide 8
Works Cited:
Miller, Kimberly D., et al. "Inclusive Volunteering: Benefits to Participants and Community."
Therapeutic recreation journal 36.3 (2002): 247. ProQuest. Web. 30 June 2016.
Post, Stephen G. "Altruism, Happiness, and Health: It's Good to be Good." International Journal
of Behavioral Medicine 12.2 (2005): 66-77. ProQuest. Web. 28 June 2016.

Ricard, Matthieu. Altruism: The Power of Compassion to Change Yourself and the World. New
York, NY: Little, Brown, 2015. Print.
Soosai-Nathan, Lawrence. "Altruism: A Pathway for Psychological Well-being." Indian Journal
of Positive Psychology 6.1 (2015): 90-2. ProQuest. Web. 17 June 2016.
Swartzberg, John, M.D. "Be Well: The Benefits of Giving and Altruism." @berkeleywellness.
University of California Berkeley, November 28, 2013. Web. 30 June 2016.