Pay It Forward Essay

Pay It Forward An act of kindness can develop values for both the person receiving the aid and the person offering the support as well as community development. In this summary key points are discussed on altruism. The summary stems from an act of kindness, which was conducted by the author as a student of Capstone Course in Psychology/Psy 490. I presented money to a person who needed money for his or her next meal, without expecting anything in return. A person does not realize the degree of emotions involved in experiencing need nor true concern until he or she begins to offer support with no desire of reward. Altruism, Personal and Professional Social Responsibility, and Codependency Altruism is the act of aiding another without thought of self or reward. Altruism is also the moral obligation to help others (Myers, 2008). These are selfless acts, which grant something to someone else; the ego also desires to develop a responsible identity of self. People also need to identify with personal and professional social responsibility to become mature individuals. According to Chickering and Braskamp (2009), â€Å"a civic and moral identity and sense of obligation to society are more apt to behave in ways, which fulfill individual and social responsibilities† (p. 27). When we cannot fulfill our desires of responsibility codependency can become a reactionary problem where individuals react to problems, pains, lives, and behaviors of themselves and others instead of acting in ways, which are adaptive (Morgan, 1991, p. 724). Applying Altruism to Psychology or Psychological Principles Psychological principles are designed to follow the Code of Conduct and its principles. Psychology practices ethical and humane practices within research as well as promoting mental health. The Code of Conduct is followed strictly by professionals of psychology to uphold the rights of consumers, and to offer help to many of life’s problems. Although psychological approaches are not always acts of giving with no reward, many consumers view psychological interventions as acts of moral obligation. Professionals possess personal and social responsibilities to those in need in the communities. Altruism as it Improves the Human Condition Helping others with no desire for reward is beneficial for the human condition. Performing the act of kindness of providing money for food to someone in need helped to build moral character for both parties involved. The person in need, perhaps has gained knowledge he or she is not alone and others do care about what happens to him or her. The person receiving the gift may reciprocate the act by searching for jobs or applying for social support. The person giving the gift has become responsible to help others; this act can lead to bigger acts in the community of aid to others. Many people in the community practicing altruism can be beneficial in teaching social responsibility to others. In such efforts to promote altruism limits exist in persuading others to become responsible in the plight. Personal and Professional Responsibilities Related to Altruism Altruism is a moral obligation or duty to help others. Responsible individuals are obligated to help those in need, and help provide the direction so he or she may learn independence and responsibility. Psychological professions must uphold a moral character for the reputation of psychology whereas always striving to help clients and patients with social problems. The Future of Psychology in Contemporary Society Society will become more responsible because of psychological interventions. Those individuals who have developed personal and social responsibilities will help others to learn to help themselves. Human society is full of problems, societies’ members cannot expect others not to receive help for their problems. Psychology will play the role of meeting these problems with professional attitudes and awareness. New interventions to promote stronger individual experiences will come from psychology. Altruism will help to mold a society, which eventually will be self-sufficient. Conclusion In conclusion, altruism is a selflessness motive to help others, which can promote betterment for society and lead to personal and social responsibility. Human identity formation must be enriched by experiences, knowledge, and insight or reactionary problems such as codependency can occur. Personal and professional responsibilities to altruism should be conducted without obligation and with awareness of respect and competence. The benefits of altruism to the human condition are immense. Trust and integrity can be learned from acts of kindness. Persons and professionals should always engage altruistic acts for the betterment of social avenues. Psychology’s concepts of preserving future experiences will rely on altruistic codes to promote a healthy future for each member of communities. References Chickering, A., & Braskamp, L. A. (2009). Developing a global perspective for personal and social responsibility. Peer Review, 11(4), 27-30. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/216586612?accountid=458 Morgan, J. (1991). What is codependency? Journal of Clinical Psychology, 47(5), 720-729. Myers, D. G. (2008). Social psychology. New York, NY: McGraw Hill.