Final answer:
Beneficence is the term used to refer to the psychological need for helping others, closely related to the concept of altruism. Altruism is motivated by selfless concern for others' well-being, often rooted in empathy, and it is a debated topic in the context of human motivation and ethics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The research term that is used to describe the psychological need for helping others is beneficence. This concept is rooted in the principle of beneficence, which suggests that actions should be aimed at benefiting others and contributing positively to their well-being. In the context of human research ethics, beneficence requires researchers to consider the interests and fair treatment of participants.
Altruism is closely related to this concept as it represents a form of prosocial behavior that is motivated by a selfless concern for the well-being of others, often involving empathy. The debate on whether helping is driven by altruism or egoism is ongoing, but the essence of altruism lies in disregarding personal costs when aiding others. The ability to empathize with others is a powerful motivator for altruistic acts, potentially making helping others a psychological need.
Mohist ethical theory also supports the idea that benevolence and care for others are necessary for a stable and morally upright society. The debate on whether pure altruism exists points to the complex nature of human motivations and the importance of considering the role of empathy, benevolence, and the societal benefits of helping behavior.