Which of the following best describes altruism?

Altruism is best defined as an unselfish regard for others, which emphasizes a genuine concern for the welfare and well-being of other individuals without expecting any personal gain in return. This concept is foundational in fields such as psychology and counseling, where fostering a supportive and empathetic environment is crucial for the development of healthy relationships and communities.

In the context of altruism, individuals engage in actions that benefit others out of kindness, compassion, or a moral commitment to assist those in need. This intrinsic motivation highlights a person’s willingness to prioritize the interests and needs of others over their own.

The other options describe behaviors motivated by self-interest or competition, which are fundamentally contrary to the essence of altruism. These contrasting behaviors focus on benefiting oneself rather than acting for the benefit of others without expectation of reward.