Ideas about altruism and selfishness in students with different levels of empathy

An empirical study is devoted to the study of ideas about altruism and selfishness of students with different levels of empathy. The socio-psychological phenomena of altruism and egoism have different causes and manifestations, as well as different external and internal factors that strengthen or restrain their manifestations. One of the main factors is the influence of a person's personal characteristics. The study examines the relationship of ideas about altruism and selfishness with the level of empathy of students. Empathy was studied using a diagnostic technique, and representations were studied using a content analysis method. The study compared three groups of students: those with high levels of empathy, those with medium levels, and those with low levels of empathy. It is shown that students have an ambiguous attitude to altruism and selfishness, highlighting both the pros and cons of helping behavior. Differences were identified in the following categories: positive and negative associations associated with the words "altruism" and "egoism"; ideas about the negative consequences of altruism and ideas about the positive consequences of egoism; ideas about gender influence on altruism and selfishness of the individual; ideas about personal determinants of altruism and selfishness; students ' ideas about the expression of altruism and selfishness in themselves. It is proved that students with different levels of empathy have differences in the features of ideas about altruism and selfishness.