Helping

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Helping is a term that refers to the act of providing assistance or aid to others. It is a fundamental aspect of human interaction and is often driven by both altruistic and self-interested motivations. Helping can take many forms, from simple acts of kindness to more complex forms of assistance such as providing emotional support or professional advice.

Definition[edit | edit source]

Helping is defined as the act of providing assistance or aid to someone else. This can involve a wide range of activities, from simple tasks such as helping someone carry their groceries, to more complex forms of assistance such as providing emotional support or professional advice. The person who provides the help is often referred to as the helper, while the person who receives the help is known as the recipient.

Types of Helping[edit | edit source]

There are many different types of helping, which can be broadly categorized into two main types: Direct Helping and Indirect Helping.

Direct Helping[edit | edit source]

Direct helping involves a direct interaction between the helper and the recipient. This can include physical assistance, such as helping someone move furniture, or emotional support, such as listening to someone's problems and providing advice.

Indirect Helping[edit | edit source]

Indirect helping involves providing assistance in a way that does not involve direct interaction with the recipient. This can include actions such as donating money to a charity, or volunteering time to a community organization.

Motivations for Helping[edit | edit source]

There are many different motivations for helping, which can be broadly categorized into two main types: Altruistic Motivations and Self-Interested Motivations.

Altruistic Motivations[edit | edit source]

Altruistic motivations for helping involve the desire to benefit others without expecting anything in return. This can include feelings of empathy and compassion, as well as a sense of moral duty or obligation.

Self-Interested Motivations[edit | edit source]

Self-interested motivations for helping involve the desire to benefit oneself. This can include the desire to feel good about oneself, to improve one's own skills or abilities, or to gain social approval or recognition.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Helping Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD