A family study of altruism and its correlates

Abstract

Data from 334 subjects were gathered using a self-report measure of altruism, along with measures of adjustment, dimensions of conscience, and religious orientation. Subjects included 102 families (adult offspring and parents). Correlations on altruism and related measures were taken between parents and offspring and between non-related members of the two cohorts. comparison of intrafamily and interfamily correlation matrices supports the hypothesis that individual differences in offspring altruism can be predicted from parental altruism scores. Fathers' scores on altruism and related personality characteristics were most clearly predictive of offspring altruism scores, while mother-offspring correlations were limited to measures of past experience of receiving help and perceived cost of helping. Group differences in mean altruism scores were found with male subjects and older subjects obtaining higher mean scores on measures of giving and receiving help, and female and younger subjects obtaining higher mean scores on a measure of perceived cost of helping.