Altruism, an aspect of Agreeableness in the Big Five model, relates to a person's concern for the well-being of others and their willingness to help those in need.
Individuals with high scores in Altruism tend to be actively concerned with the well-being of others. They are generous, compassionate, and have a sincere desire to help those in need. Their consideration for others is reflected in concrete acts of help and support. They are willing to make sacrifices for the well-being of others and are often perceived as kind and devoted individuals.
People with low levels of Altruism care little about the problems of others or living beings. They are less influenced by what is perceived as cute. They are willing to expose others to negative emotions by engaging in conflicts and competition. They enjoy winning and will engage in confrontation to achieve their goals. They are much less concerned with helping others, ensuring that their own needs and interests are met, and are less inclined to sacrifice for the greater good. This can make them appear harsh and unsympathetic. People may seek them out for cold, hard truths but not for a patient, attentive, and endlessly compassionate ear. They are less empathetic and caring. However, since they are not primarily focused on others, they can negotiate very effectively on their own behalf and are likely to get what they deserve (for their hard work, for example). As a result, they are unlikely to harbor feelings of resentment or hidden anger.
A very high score on the Agreeableness dimension is associated with dependent personality (Costa & Widiger, 2002).
A very low score on the Agreeableness dimension is associated with narcissistic, antisocial, and paranoid personality traits (Costa & Widiger, 2002).
Those who are politically liberal have a slightly higher Altruism score than the conservative. Women are also more altruistic than men. The average percentile for women in the general population (women and men) is 61. For men, it is 39.
A dedicated teacher who spends extra time helping students overcome academic difficulties demonstrates a high degree of Altruism.
A competitive businessman who prioritizes maximizing profits over social concerns may exhibit low Altruism.
Humanitarian workers who dedicate their lives to helping communities in need are examples of highly altruistic individuals.
A parent who sacrifices their own time and desires to care for their children also expresses a high level of Altruism.