The altruistic personality: in what contexts is it apparent?

Ss were exposed to a distressed woman, completed state sympathy and personal distress indexes, and were given an opportunity to assist the woman. High scores on dispositional altruism assisted most when escape was easy, particularly when the distress cues were obvious. Altruistic and emotionally rea...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of personality and social psychology 1991-09, Vol.61 (Sep 91), p.450-458
Main Authors: Carlo, G, Switzer, G, Troyer, D, Eisenberg, N, Speer, A L
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Altruism
Personality
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Ss were exposed to a distressed woman, completed state sympathy and personal distress indexes, and were given an opportunity to assist the woman. High scores on dispositional altruism assisted most when escape was easy, particularly when the distress cues were obvious. Altruistic and emotionally reactive persons helped most in a psychologically 'weak' environment. (Abstract amended)
ISSN:0022-3514