Introduction
In the contemporary society, people encounter various problems in their daily life. Essentially, most of the problems result from lack of enough money. People living in the lower-class level of life face numerous problems to acquire the very basic needs such as food, shelter, medical care, and clothing. As a result, the needy people suffer from starvation that leads to malnutrition, and they lose their life. Additionally, some of the needy people living in the streets due to lack of shelter end up being assaulted and killed. Donating to such people is vital because the money can be used to solve most of their problems.
I was shocked one day when I met a family of a single parent, a mother with two children living in the streets. I became interested in them and asked why they were staying in the streets. The woman explained to me that her husband who was the bread winner lost his life after a short period of sickness. Afterward, the mother could not afford house rent and they were kicked out of the house by the owner. The story of this family really touched my heart. I donated some money to the woman to go and look for another house and buy some food. Donating the money made me feel good because I knew I had at least touched a soul. I knew the woman will use the money properly, and I promised her that I will come and visit her in their new house. After two days, I visited the family and they were very happy. The woman together with her kids was very appreciative and praised my kindness.
Comparison of the Roles of Altruism, Personal and Professional Responsibility and Codependency
Psychologically, giving out something without expecting any compensation or a return is known as altruism. Personal and professional responsibility, instead, focuses on acting in a particular way that benefits an individual or a society at large. Codependency is an emotional behavior in which an individual lowers their self-esteem to make others or themselves happy. Arguably, performing an act of kindness to an individual focus on three aspects. In this case, donating money to a needy street family without expecting any reward was basically practicing altruism. I did not require special recognition or reward in donating money to the family. Additionally, I was not instructed by anyone to meet the family and give it money.
Furthermore, I used my personal and professional skills in performing this noble act. Conversely, my psychological professional skills made me realize some of the problems, which the street family encounters. I knew the mother and her children are mentally disturbed because they lack a house and food. Codependency, on the other hand, made me gain emotions towards the family. I felt pity for them, and I could not even imagine how they have been surviving on the streets.
Application of Altruism to Psychology
Altruism can be used in psychology and psychological skills in very many ways. For instance, when giving out psychological guidance, a psychologist has to devote him or herself to helping the client without necessarily looking at the monetary aspect. Simply put, a psychologist has to ensure that the clients’ problem is solved before they ask for money or reward depending on the financial capability of the client. Additionally, altruism acts as a motivating factor to a psychologist because they know that their clients feel good after receiving the services. As such, they do not focus on the rewards, but rather on the services offered to their clients.
How Altruism Improve Human Conditions and its Limits
Altruism plays a pivotal role in improving human conditions. This is because altruism focuses on to pay it forward syndrome. Consequently, altruism helps an individual to improve their conditions because the one serving does not expect an immediate reward. The helper performs kind actions to the needy knowing that the individual will help another person with similar problems in future. In this case, I donated my money to this family knowing that one day the children of this woman will have money and they will help an individual living in the streets. Altruism does not have any limits because the needs of human beings do not end. Problems are faced daily and cannot end.
Personal and Professional Responsibilities Related to Altruism
It is vital for any individual to emulate altruistic behavior depending on various situations they face. Besides, some of the personal and professional responsibilities that relate to altruism include but not limited to the following. Firstly, it is fundamental for all professional psychologists to emulate altruism during provision of services. This will enable them to offer quality services, which are not money oriented. Secondly, all other professional offering personal services should not base on pro-bono services. They should not focus on money but they should provide quality services to human beings. Lastly, all individuals performing acts of kindness to people should not base on recognition or reward. They should just donate or give something to the needy wholly heartedly.
The Future of Psychology in Relation to Altruism in the Contemporary Society
The future of psychology is generally based on the need of professional psychologist to emulate altruism in service delivery. Apparently, altruism will help psychologist to offer authentic services in the future without worrying about what they will be paid at the end of service delivery. Evidently, not everyone can embrace altruism but it will be helpful for all psychologists to focus on quality service delivery to their clients rather than basing on the reward which they will get at the end of their service.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, all individuals both professional and non-professionals have to embrace altruism in service delivery to human beings. They should not necessarily focus on the gains of helping an individual. For the psychologists, it is fundamental for them to embrace altruism because they offer very critical services to human beings.
