The Altruistic scale measures the desire to help others and contribute to society. Those that score high tend to have concern for others’ well-being and enjoy fostering a sense of community. When we encounter moderate or low scores, we can look to the item themes to gain a better understanding of how the value operates for the individual. Below is more detail around the specific item themes as they relate to the Altruistic scale.

Lifestyles

When individuals score high on Lifestyles, we can infer they likely spend time or enjoy the opportunity to help other people. In their spare time, these individuals may like to volunteer to help those in need. These people will also tend to value relationships with others, and likely maintain long-term friendships and relationships. On the other hand, those scoring lower may not derive much pleasure from helping people. They may help others when needed; however, they may not go out of their way to provide them with help. We may see them donating money to a charity versus their time.

Beliefs

People scoring high on Beliefs tend believe in social justice and likely feel that most people should do more to help those around them. In fact, these people probably view helping others as one of the greater callings in life. Those scoring lower on Beliefs do not hold helping others in such high regards. For these individuals, they may feel there are more important aspects to life than simply helping others. Instead, they may have more of a “tough love” attitude.

Occupational Preferences

When people score high on Occupational Preferences, we can assume they will favor professions that allow them to give back and help the less fortunate, such as social work or healthcare occupations. In addition, they are likely to seek out and experience stronger fit in environments that emphasise building relationships. These individuals likely view work as being more than just an opportunity to make money, and rather will view work as a way to contribute and improve society. On the other hand, those people scoring lower may not be attracted to careers that involve helping others.

Aversions

People scoring higher on Aversions will tend to dislike people that do not share their same value of helping others. They make experience frustration around those that ignore other people’s problems, or do not act to help others in need. Similarly, they may also lose patients with those that place their own interests above those of other people. Those scoring lower however, will have greater tolerance for people with a more egocentric worldview.

Preferred Associates

Individuals scoring high on Preferred Associates will tend to surround themselves with people that enjoy helping others. These folks likely enjoy being around others that spend their spare time volunteering and giving back to society. On the other hand, lower scorers probably are more comfortable being around others that are not as active to help those in need or that volunteer on a regular basis.