There’s a video I love to show one of my classes. It highlights people doing something nice for others in quick succession, with someone doing a good deed for another, followed by that person paying it forward and helping another individual. I think students appreciate it, and it never gets old for me. I smile—inside and outside—every time.
When we engage in acts of goodness like this, research shows we enjoy more well-being. But how does that occur? Does it matter what we do? What about whom we’re doing it for or how they respond?
How Different Good Deeds Affect the Giver
Researchers looked at these questions in a recent exploratory study; it was intended to see what connections exist rather than examine any set hypotheses. They found that some facets of thoughtful actions were linked to people feeling even more upbeat, while others weren’t.
First, let’s talk in terms of what people do for others: Folks who offered an object or money seemed to experience more of a mood boost compared to other things, like offering time or sharing expertise.
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