5 Reasons People Want to Help

Facts and Figures that Show Our Innate Desire that People Want To Help

It’s a widely held belief that people genuinely want to help others, but do the facts and figures support this notion?

In this article, we’ll explore the evidence that shows our innate desire to support one another, leading to increased well-being and positive emotions.

From volunteering to charitable giving, empathy, and compassion, there’s plenty of proof that helping others is at the core of our human nature.

Volunteering:

One of the most prominent ways people help others is through volunteering their time and energy. According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, about 63 million Americans (approximately 25.1% of the adult population) volunteered in various capacities in 2019.

These dedicated individuals contributed a staggering 7.9 billion hours of service, which is equivalent to $203.4 billion in economic value.

This impressive statistic highlights the widespread desire to help and improve our communities.

Charitable giving:

Beyond volunteering, many people also show people want to help others through financial donations. The Giving USA Foundation reported that Americans generously donated $471.44 billion to charitable causes in 2020. This figure suggests that people are not only willing but also eager to assist others in need, contributing to their well-being and overall happiness.

Acts of kindness:

Helping others isn’t limited to formal volunteering or financial donations. Simple acts of kindness, such as lending a listening ear, offering a helping hand, or providing a comforting hug, can significantly impact others’ lives. A 2018 study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that people who performed acts of kindness for others experienced a boost in well-being and positive emotions. This finding suggests that helping others is not only valued but also intrinsically rewarding.

Empathy and compassion:

Research has shown that people have an innate capacity for empathy and compassion, which drive us to help others in need. A study published in the journal Neuron found that people are more likely to help someone in distress when they can empathize with their suffering. This natural inclination to feel and share the emotions of others underscores our strong desire to support one another in times of difficulty.

Prosocial behavior in children:

Even young children exhibit a propensity for helping others. Studies have shown that children display prosocial behaviors, such as sharing, comforting, and assisting others, from a very young age. A study published in the journal Nature found that toddlers as young as 14 months old will spontaneously help an adult in need without being prompted or rewarded. This research highlights the inherent altruism present in humans, even in our earliest years. This is baked in us from youth.

The Point

The facts and figures presented in this article offer compelling evidence of people want to help others. From volunteering and charitable giving to acts of kindness, empathy, and compassion, we are hardwired to support one another in various ways. As we recognize and celebrate this natural tendency toward altruism, we can harness it to promote well-being, happiness, and social cohesion in our communities. So the next time you lend a hand or make a donation, remember that your actions are part of a larger human drive to support and uplift one another. Embrace your innate desire to help others and experience the rewards that come with it – not just for those you assist, but for yourself as well.

Want to know how Alite solves this?

People want to help… they are born for it.

But why are they not doing what you want them to?

Why are only 20% of your church members doing 80% of the work?… If that!

Here’s our promise.

We have an app that helps you empower your church body so check out how we do that!

Check it out!

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