| This research study used descriptive phenomenological methods (Giorgi, 1989) to investigate and document the lived experience of altruism as described by moral exemplars. Six moral exemplars wrote descriptions of situations in which they engaged in spontaneous altruism. Altruism was defined for the purpose of this study as a motivational state with the ultimate goal of increasing another's welfare (Batson, 1991). These descriptions were then expanded and clarified through follow-up interviews.; The results of the descriptive phenomenological analysis produced two structures: the structure of the lived experience of altruism as described by moral exemplars, and the structure of the lived experience of helping as described by moral exemplars. The differences between these two structures suggest that altruistically motivated pro-social behavior is more committed, extensive, and effective than egoistically motivated helping and results in a higher level of attachment to, and concern for, the long-term well-being of the individuals helped. Although differentiated by primary motivations, altruistic or egoistic, both structures identify the motivating factors of empathy, personal historical life experiences, moral values, and personal identity as essential to the experience of assisting another individual in need.; The insights gained through this study also shine light on the complex web of egoistic and altruistic motivations underlying helping experiences and point toward the possibility that altruistic motivation is a temporary state of consciousness that, in the case of moral exemplars, is sustained through the moral values of duty, responsibility, and service either to humankind or to a higher power. Finally, this research corroborated the literature in the field that posits that the experience of altruism, and the experience of helping, for moral exemplars, can lead to personal growth and a validation of the moral exemplar's identity as a helping person. |
