Empathy Joy Hypothesis

The Empathy Joy hypothesis states that the reason for someone helping another in need are positive feelings associated with the altruistic behavior. Helping others is a reward in itself because it brings a person happiness and joy when they commit a helping behavior.

When confronted with a situation in which aid is needed a person is more likely to help if the victim is similar to themselves. The empathy joy hypothesis attempts to explain another reason why someone will help another person in need.

Similarity alone is not enough to induce someone to help a person. A helping response is more likely to occur when the helper will receive positive feedback and reap the rewards of their help.