Psychological Dynamics and Beliefs of Social Helpers: A Qualitative Exploration

Abstract

Helping behaviour commonly exists in our society and is encouraged as a part of moral and religious teaching. However, some people adhere to it and others do not. This study explored the motives of 16 male and female social helpers aged 40–60 years from Kolkata. Data were collected from social helpers giving time and money to orphanage and old age homes for at least 2 years. Data was collected using guided narratives along with certain probes. For data analysis, content analysis was used as a qualitative technique. Helpers in orphanages were driven by feelings like sympathy, poverty awareness, and early exposure to helping, while those in old age homes often cited personal loss and concern for the elderly. Both groups saw their work as connected to their religious beliefs, especially karma. They shared strong emotional support and close relationships to the recipients that made them feel valued and fulfilled. Attachments formed differently—toward children’s innocence or elders’ struggles—shaping meaningful bonds.