BS: Altruism & Pain threshold

Subject: BS: Altruism & Pain threshold
From: Mr Red
Date: 16 Jan 20 - 09:41 AM

There was a recent radio program that reported the research. Psychology Today
Basically what they found was that peoples' perception of pain was less after an altruistic act. Say, random acts of kindness or giving to charity. Dopamine & oxytocin levels in the brain are implicated.

On the downside there is the problem of the cashless society and the mechanisms for giving to charity. Something I have come across in being involved in a free Folk Festival Stroud Folk Weekend. It was suggested, in committee, additional to the buckets for collecting, we should consider contactless terminals. Which, ultimately, it was reasoned were not financially viable.

But, in my mind, it poses 2 points

1) Societies, generally are becoming less friendly on the micro and macro scale. Is the cashless society one more driver here?

2) Is the reverse true? And does it explain the less than charitable sniping by some of this parish (other social media are available). Should we not say to them "up the meds", but instead say "go contribute, ya misanthrope!"?

Have a nice day (now I feel better)

Subject: RE: BS: Altruism & Pain threshold
From: Jack Campin
Date: 16 Jan 20 - 11:03 AM

Portable card terminals are widely used for scams (fake charity collectors or delivery drivers). I would never use one in the situation you're envisaging.

Subject: RE: BS: Altruism & Pain threshold
From: Senoufou
Date: 16 Jan 20 - 12:44 PM

I don't know about my pain threshold, but I do get very low and a bit depressed during the dark winter months. I find that helping out my African in-laws and some of my husband's struggling friends gives me a tremendous lift. We make money transfers through Western Union on a regular basis, then extra contributions if something urgent arises.
For example, last year Ramatou (my sister-in-law) contracted TB, and Mamadou (long-term mate of my husband) had to have his leg amputated. Sié is getting married soon, and the cess-pits needed emptying a couple of months ago.
We take no risks with the transfers as we make them in Asda where they have a WU booth. The transaction is done with cash, so no bank details are disclosed.
Every time we come out of Asda, I feel so thankful we're able to help. It honestly makes me smile all day. Daft I know, but I love to help in my small way!

Subject: RE: BS: Altruism & Pain threshold
From: Nick
Date: 16 Jan 20 - 01:09 PM

The psychology of spending and move away from cash is a fascinating one. Psychology of Spending and the story of Paypal is worth a read. Covered also in chapter one of my favourite reads from last year Jacques Peretti 'The Deals that made the World'

Subject: RE: BS: Altruism & Pain threshold
From: peteglasgow
Date: 16 Jan 20 - 01:33 PM

i always buy petrol with cash -since some stories about garages being a popular rip-off venue.
i wouldn't do internet banking for the same reason.
i always feel it's wrong to use a self-service thing in a shop
paying with a card in a pub is obviously wrong (i went into a bar in lancaster recently that was card only - wtf is that about?
all these bank closures - scandalous-as if they can't afford to give customers a choice.
i feel sad that i have never had a big wad of cash in my pocket (preferrably with plastic band) and probably won't now as i don't have enough to do it and as plastic money is just not as good
whenever i go up to scotland i load up with scottish notes to spend back down south -particularly in pubs. this does give me pleasure, i just enjoy being a bit retro, luddite and awkward.
i suppose being a weird old guy is my fate but as long as i've got enough cash in my pocket, that's good. somehow all this digital stuff is just one more way that the wicked capitalist system is cheating us - i just don't trust them.

Subject: RE: BS: Altruism & Pain threshold
From: Senoufou
Date: 16 Jan 20 - 01:51 PM

My cheeky bank sent me one of those 'contactless' debit cards. I had to ring them and demand a non-contactless' version. Took ages to arrive, but I didn't want my card to buy things all by itself!
I always like to carry a bit of cash (about £20 or so) to pay our window cleaner and give a small tip to any courier that brings a parcel.
We don't 'spend' much apart from food and the odd bargain at the shops.
I've got to the stage in life when I want to reduce possessions and get rid of 'stuff'. We have quite enough clothes, our little bungalow has quite enough furniture and neither of us goes in for jewellery. A burglar would be a bit cross after breaking in, as there's nothing of much value here!

Subject: RE: BS: Altruism & Pain threshold
From: Donuel
Date: 16 Jan 20 - 02:44 PM

Regarding pain suffered by wounded soldiers it is true that those who engaged in a selfless heroic act, required much less pain control than their counterparts.

A troubled guilty brain has more pain?
I can see it.

Subject: RE: BS: Altruism & Pain threshold
From: Mr Red
Date: 25 Jan 20 - 04:18 AM

what can't be seen is certain posters. Strange innit? Or is it?

Subject: RE: BS: Altruism & Pain threshold
From: Senoufou
Date: 25 Jan 20 - 05:47 AM

My sister (she's retired now) was a consultant anaesthetist, and she often told me how the amount of anaesthesia required varied from one individual to another(not only general anaesthetics but local, spinal, Tens machine etc) Apparently, for example, red-haired people often need more. She never mentioned the variable of altruism, but I'm sure she'd be interested. Next time she rings I'll ask her!

Subject: RE: BS: Altruism & Pain threshold
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 27 Jan 20 - 06:27 PM

Going cashless doesn't rule out paying your due - and the amount of stuff shoppers sometimes put in the food bank bins in the supermarkets round our way seem to bear that out.

Thinking about pain seems to make it worse, That's consistent with what that study seems to suggest. Though I'm sometimes uneasy with the term "pain level" which seems to simplify how we deal with painful things.

Subject: RE: BS: Altruism & Pain threshold
From: Mr Red
Date: 28 Jan 20 - 05:06 AM

paramedics will say, "on a level of 1 to 10 how painful?". Which informs them how much anaesthetic they need to give, to quiet the patient. Placebo factor then is included.

Pain is clearly moderated by perception of & by circumstance.

Subject: RE: BS: Altruism & Pain threshold
From: Senoufou
Date: 28 Jan 20 - 07:52 AM

From my travels in W Africa, especially among my husband's family, I have often been struck by their stoicism with regard to pain and suffering. It's a cultural thing, and it's just 'not done' to groan, whine or cry out. Some African tribes have rather horrifying 'initiation rituals' (circumcision etc) and the poor subject must not make a sound, or their family would be utterly shamed before the community.
This is not to say they don't feel the pain of course, just that it mustn't be expressed.
I could never be that brave I'm afraid.