Some people seem almost unable to walk past someone who needs help. They stop to give directions, help a stranger carry something heavy, pick up something someone dropped or check on a person who appears distressed. Even when nobody asks them to intervene, they feel compelled to do something.
Psychology suggests that this behavior can involve much more than simply being “a nice person.” Empathy, prosocial motivation, relatedness, personal values and the emotional rewards of helping can all influence why someone repeatedly comes to the aid of strangers.
