This usually differs person to person but the most common factors that makes people help others are:
- The Benefit they will get in return -It is human nature to be selfish. Even the most generous and helpful people want something in return for the things they do. This could range from simple things like attention or simply the satisfaction of achieving something to more selfish reasons like money and a possible favour in the future. One is likely to help if they get something out of it.
- If it doesn't negatively affect them in any way - This might sound confusing after reading the one above but this goes mostly along with the that one. Consider a very rich person like Bill Gates helping those in-dire-need of money. One possible reason why he is likely to help is simply because he can and it doesn't directly affect his wealth. On a plus side, he might also get something from doing it and that is publicity.
- Mood - Often times when one is in a a pretty good mood chances are he/she will be willing to help. Mood affects emotions and thus can empathize more to those in need.
- Can Relate to the Situation one is in - When one have personally experienced the same thing as those who are in-need of help, he/she is likely to help as they know what that person is currently going through