What is the relationship between empathy and altruistic behaviour?

Empathy is positively correlated with altruistic behaviour, as it increases the likelihood of helping others.

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, and it has been shown to play a crucial role in promoting altruistic behaviour. When individuals feel empathy towards someone in need, they are more likely to engage in prosocial behaviour, such as offering help or support. This is because empathy helps individuals to recognise the suffering of others, and to feel a sense of responsibility to alleviate that suffering.

Research has shown that empathy is positively correlated with a range of altruistic behaviours, including volunteering, donating to charity, and helping strangers in need. For example, a study by Batson et al. (1981) found that participants who reported feeling high levels of empathy towards a person in distress were more likely to offer help than those who reported low levels of empathy.

However, it is important to note that empathy alone is not always enough to promote altruistic behaviour. Other factors, such as situational factors and individual differences, can also play a role in determining whether or not someone will help. For example, the presence of others may inhibit helping behaviour, and individuals who are high in narcissism may be less likely to help others, even if they feel empathy towards them.

Overall, the relationship between empathy and altruistic behaviour is complex, but research suggests that empathy is an important factor in promoting prosocial behaviour. By increasing our capacity for empathy, we may be able to create a more compassionate and caring society.