Final answer:
Altruism is the term used to describe selfless concern for the well-being of others, which is characterized by compassionate and prosocial behaviors. It allows individuals to assist others without being overly influenced by their emotions, maintaining the ability to think clearly and act justly.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that describes the concept of displaying compassion, concern, and a helpful attitude toward others without becoming overly absorbed by their emotions is altruism. Altruism involves selfless concern for the well-being of others, which can manifest as prosocial behavior. Such behavior is voluntary and aims to help other people, potentially stemming from an empathic reaction, where one shares and understands the feelings of others. However, unlike empathy alone, altruism does not cause clouding of judgment due to overidentification with others' emotions. Instead, it allows for a balanced approach to assistance where the helper maintains the ability to act wisely and justly.
Several moral theories, including virtue ethics, emphasize the importance of developing personal virtues such as compassion and empathy. Carol Gilligan, amongst others, recognizes the need to complement the justice perspective with the development of sympathetic reactions to moral situations. As a form of prosocial behavior, altruism is a key component in the psychology of relationships, dictating that interactions with others are not always egoistically motivated but can be based on genuine concern for others without expectation of reciprocity.