In social psychology, the everyday concept of helpfulness is technically defined as (1) the property of providing useful assistance, and (2) friendliness evidenced by a kindly and helpful disposition [syn:kindliness]. For many years, social psychologists have been searching for answers to these questions: Why, and when, will people help? Who will help? What can be done to lessen indifference and increase helping? Why Do People Help? Several theories of helping agree that, in the long run,… (More on Helpfulness)