Which term is used for the behavior that involves selflessness and helping others at a personal cost?

The term that refers to behavior characterized by selflessness and a willingness to help others, even at a personal cost, is altruism. Altruistic actions are motivated by the concern for the well-being of others rather than self-interest. This involves giving aid or support that may come at a personal sacrifice, such as time, resources, or emotional effort, reflecting a commitment to benefit someone else.

Prosocial behavior encompasses a broader range of actions intended to benefit others, but not all prosocial acts require personal sacrifice. Empathy relates to the ability to understand and share the feelings of another, which can motivate helping behavior but does not necessarily imply selflessness. The social responsibility principle is a concept that suggests individuals should help others, particularly those who depend on them, but it does not inherently capture the selfless aspect of altruism. Thus, altruism specifically identifies the self-sacrificial nature of helping behavior.