For information about the ADA, including the revised 2010 ADA regulations, please visit the Department's website www.ADA.gov; or, for answers to specific questions, call the toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (Voice) or 800-514-0383 (TTY).
Definition of altruism. 1  1 : unselfish regard for or devotion to the welfare of others charitable acts motivated purely by altruism. 2  2 : behavior by an animal that is not beneficial to or may be harmful to itself but that benefits others of its species.
For the purpose of our study, we prefer a definition that relies on objective, measurable criteria. We characterize a behavior as altruistic when: it is directed towards helping another; it involves a high risk or sacrifice to the actor; it is accomplished by no external reward; it is voluntary.