Psychology News
Researchers at The University of Texas revealed insights into how random acts of kindness impact well-being. The study is published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General.
The Study
In order to understand the positive impact of kindness, the research team conducted a series of experiments. They divided three groups into “giving” and “receiving” groups and asked them to exchange things like cups of hot chocolate, cupcakes, and money gifts.
Participants of the giving groups rated their own mood and the expected mood of the recipients. Those in the receiving groups also reported their mood.
The Findings
The results revealed that kind behavior elicits a ‘generous’ response and can even be contagious. In fact, such kindness impacts well-being and mental health in the long run.
One of the lead researchers, Amit Kumar, elaborated: “It turns out generosity can actually be contagious. Receivers of a prosocial act can pay it forward. Kindness can actually spread.”
To Know More You May Refer To
Kumar, A., & Epley, N. (2022). A little good goes an unexpectedly long way: Underestimating the positive impact of kindness on recipients. Journal of experimental psychology. General, 10.1037/xge0001271. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/xge0001271
