The Influence Of Empathy As A Conditional Variable On Altruistic Behavior

The purpose of this study was to explore whether or not individuals will empathize with other people who are in trouble, and as a result be more willing to give them a hand. The main aim of this study was to explore how different levels of empathy and different cost of time will impact people’s decisions regarding performing altruistic behavior.The study adapted experimental methods and set two groups,one of which was the empathy group and the other was the control group. Students in college were recruited as the subjects. The results of the study were as follows:(1) The empathy group will display more altruistic behavior than the control group, which means if we arouse people’s sympathy, more people will be willing to perform altruistic behavior.(2) The cost of altruistic behavior can impact people’s altruistic behavior. In the general case, people will choose the minimal time cost necessary when performing altruistic behavior. But when their emotions are aroused,people will try to consider the practical requirements of the situation when performing altruistic behavior. Once they make their decisions, they will try their best.