Gutierrez-Zamano, E: Our Extraordinary, Ordinary Capacity fo

This work makes a contribution to research on prosocial behavior because the participants insights reflect a particular conception of everyday altruism, a definition that highlights altruism s nature as a needs-based motivation. Altruism, then, is defined as behavior primarily motivated by the actor s need to enhance the welfare of another that involves personal sacrifice for the altruistic actor and that may be motivated secondarily by self- benefit. This understanding of altruism debunks the notion that altruism consists of action wholly devoid of self-interest and instead situates it within a larger motivational system of basic human needs. In addition, the majority of research participants connect traumatic past experiences to their present-day altruism. These experiences socialized the participants both to experience personal need and care for needy others. The findings build on our current understanding of altruistic socialization and motivation.