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Pay It Forward

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Pay It Forward
Wendy Easton
March 12, 2012
PSY 490
Radha S. Shanker, Ph.D.

Pay it Forward Philosophers for centuries have debated if a prosocial act regardless of the degree of generosity or unselfishness the act may appear on its surface exists genuinely altruistic (Kowalski & Westen, 2009). People who volunteer to work at the local food closet may do so based on a genuine desire to help other people or to assist in alleviating a personal anxiety. I believe altruism exists and will provide a personal example to support this belief. In addition, I will explain further altruism, how it relates to psychology, and to personal, professional, and social responsibilities, and its effect on the future of psychology.
Personal Experience Summary My life as I perceive it exists busy; consequently, I reside perpetually behind schedule. However, I do make time to drop food and personal hygiene items off and visit with the managers of the local food bank the first Wednesday of every month. The individuals and families that enter the building are each gracious and grateful for the food and other products offered. I have never witnessed any person display embarrassment for the need for assistance, in fact, I had not thought about that emotion until this assignment. Each person I have encountered either dropping off or in need have resided authentically friendly and appreciative. Genuinely, I do not believe that any person possesses expectations. Consequently, I do believe true altruism exists.
The Roles of Altruism
Like self-control, altruism exists as a valued temporally extended behavioral system, which may exist cultured and affirmed over a person's lifespan, and does not require an inherited trait. Exclusive decrees of altruism, each of which can withhold benefits or cause harm to the actor, can reside advantageous if the act takes place repeatedly.

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