Helping Others has a Ripple Effect
By Jack Darkes, PhD

The Alpha Male Challenge (AMC) helps men reclaim their masculine attitude and vigor.  The social role of this more physically capable and mentally tough man is to take the lead in the community, to recognize his responsibility to others and act on their behalf; to be altruistic.  The goal of the AMC is to change men’s lives and, in the process, provide an example for others.  In that way, the AMC can make positive change for everyone one, not solely for the men who complete it.

It looks like science is on our side in that mission.  Researchers recently found that those who are exposed to the good works and deeds of others (i.e., who are “elevated”) are more likely to engage in altruistic behavior themselves (1).  It goes beyond setting an example; the researchers suggested that seeing someone act selflessly and helpfully caused observers to be “inspired in spirit, not in kind.”  That is, seeing others act in selfless altruistic ways does more than model a response that others imitate; it generates a spirit of helping in others. 

Hence, by building and acting on our Alpha Attitude and demonstrating our commitment to the common welfare to others, we can infect others with the spirit of altruism.  Our actions can have an effect well beyond their immediate outcomes.  Altruism is not only good for our own health and well-being (2), but it spreads through those who see our good acts.

(1) Schnall, S., Roper, J., & Fessler, D.M.T. (2010).  Elevation leads to altruistic behavior.  Psychological Science.  Published online at http://pss.sagepub.com/content/early/2010/01/28/0956797609359882

(2) Post, S.G. (2005).  Altruism, happiness, and health:  It’s good to be good.  International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 12, 66-77.