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Understanding the Better Than Average Effect on Altruism.

Yunyu Xiao1,2, Kelly Wong3, Qijin Cheng4

  • 1School of Social Work, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, United States.

Frontiers in Psychology
|January 25, 2021
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Most people think they are more altruistic than average, a better-than-average (BTA) effect. This study identified that middle-aged, educated, high-income Christians are most likely to show this effect and be altruistic.

Keywords:
Hong Kongaltruismaltruistic behaviorsbetter than averagelatent class analysisprosocial behavior

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Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Most individuals perceive themselves as more altruistic than average (better-than-average effect).
  • Self-perceived altruism correlates with actual altruistic behaviors, impacting well-being.
  • Understanding sociodemographic factors influencing this effect is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify sociodemographic profiles associated with the better-than-average effect in altruism.
  • To inform the development of targeted programs promoting altruistic behaviors.

Main Methods:

  • Latent class analysis of sociodemographic data (sex, age, religion, socioeconomic status) from a Hong Kong representative sample (n=1,185).
  • Multivariate multinomial logistic regressions to link class membership with better-than-average altruism and behaviors.

Main Results:

  • Four distinct sociodemographic profiles were identified.
  • Individuals who were middle-aged, Christian/Catholic, highly educated, and high-income (17.8%) were most likely to exhibit better-than-average altruism and altruistic behaviors.
  • Older, male, less educated, low-income individuals with no religious affiliation were least likely to exhibit these traits.

Conclusions:

  • Findings clarify the sociodemographic characteristics of individuals exhibiting better-than-average altruism.
  • This understanding can guide the development of effective, targeted strategies to promote altruism across diverse populations.