What is the core idea of altruism?

The core idea of altruism revolves around the willingness to help others without expecting anything in return, even at a personal cost to oneself. This concept emphasizes selflessness and concern for the welfare of others, highlighting the notion that an individual may act in ways that benefit others, despite potentially sacrificing their own interests or resources.

In the context of social psychology, altruistic behavior is often studied in terms of motivations behind helping actions. Altruism challenges the belief that all human behavior is predominantly driven by self-interest or the pursuit of personal gain. Instead, it suggests that there are genuine motivations to assist others out of kindness or empathy, even when it may not lead to personal rewards.

The other options address concepts that are more aligned with competitive behavior, self-serving actions, or group dynamics but do not capture the essence of altruism as a selfless act aimed at benefiting others. For instance, prioritizing group interests relates more to collective behavior or social identity rather than the individual act of helping without anticipated rewards.