Answer to Question 1
A caveat regarding altruism is that if the effort and time spent helping is too overtaxing it will cancel out the beneficial effects for the giver (Post, 2005). Further, service motivated by duty or obligation may not result in improved well-being for the helper (Walsh, 2011). Some forms of long-term caregiving (e.g., long-term care for a loved one with dementia) can even result in health impairment and diminished well-being (see Chapter 4). This is not to discourage any form of altruism since altruism in the form of long-term caregiving, for example, is the ultimate form of virtuous giving, but rather to mention some of the potential risks and benefits involved when undertaking any form of altruistic behavior.
Answer to Question 2
The practice of helping others benefits both the person giving and the person receiving the help. As Walsh (2011, p. 9) notes, altruism is said to reduce unhealthy mental qualities such as greed, jealousy, and egocentricity while enhancing healthy qualities such as love, joy, and generosity.. Just as Ebenezer Scrooge experienced greater buoyancy and health after becoming more generous, research indicates that practicing kindness, compassion, and generosity often leads to greater health, well-being, and longevity (Post, 2005). In fact, engaging in acts of altruism can be so rewarding that it can lead to a helper's high (Luks, 1988). Even small acts of kindness may be uplifting.
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