Rewards of kindness? A meta-analysis of the link between prosociality and well-being.

Abstract

In recent decades, numerous studies have suggested a positive relationship between prosociality and well-being. What remains less clear are (a) what the magnitude of this relationship is, and (b) what the moderators that influence it are. To address these questions, we conducted a meta-analysis to examine the strength of the prosociality to well-being link under different operationalizations, and how a set of theoretical, demographic, and methodological variables moderate the link. While the results revealed a modest overall mean effect size (r = .13, K = 201, N = 198,213) between prosociality and well-being, this masked the substantial variability in the effect as a function of numerous moderators. In particular, the effect of prosociality on eudaimonic well-being was stronger than that on hedonic well-being. Prosociality was most strongly related to psychological functioning—showing a more modest relationship with psychological malfunctioning and physical health. Using prosociality scales was more strongly associated with well-being than using measures of volunteering/helping frequency or status. In addition, informal helping (vs. formal helping) was linked to more well-being benefits. Demographically, younger givers exhibited higher levels of well-being other than physical health, while older and retired givers reported better physical health only. Female givers showed stronger relationships between prosociality and eudaimonic well-being, psychological malfunctioning, and physical health. Methodologically, the magnitude of the link was stronger in studies using primary (vs. secondary) data and with higher methodological rigor (i.e., measurement reliability and validity). We discussed all of these results and implications and suggested directions for future research.

Using prosocial behavior to safeguard mental health and foster emotional well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic: A registered report protocol for a randomized trial

“…In the last several decades, this simple maxim has been placed under scientific scrutiny and accumulated a sizable body of evidence that attests to its veracity. Two recent meta-analyses found that prosocial activities produce a small positive effect on "emotional well-being"-a catch-all term that includes happiness, eudaimonic well-being, positive affect, psychological flourishing, and the absence of negative emotions [20,24]. Prosocial effects have been observed among children as well as adults and in samples across the world [20,[25][26][27][28][29][30].…”

“…Thus, while the available evidence suggests that prosocial behavior positively influences emotional well-being and improves mental health, it is likely that reported effect sizes are too large. In fact, a recent high-powered replication of prosocial spending research found that effects across three studies ranged from non-existent to modest [24,43]. Similarly, a recent meta-analysis of positive psychology interventions found that effect sizes were substantially overestimated due to an overreliance on small-N studies [22].…”

Finding Meaning Amidst COVID-19: An Existential Positive Psychology Model of Suffering

“…Finally, prosociality has been a consistent source of meaning in life (Van Tongeren et al, 2016b). Not only does prosociality help reduce existential anxiety in the light of reminders of one's frailty (Jonas et al, 2002), but a recent meta-analysis confirms that it also contributes to well-being and flourishing life (Hui et al, 2020). In fact, experimental work has demonstrated the focusing on others, compared to focusing on oneself, enhances psychological flourishing (Nelson et al, 2016), providing additional evidence for the transformative nature of prosociality.…”

Predictive modelling of individual well-being among professional engineers

“…For them, the way they look at their career is as something pleasant, satisfying, and socially beneficial (Khan et al, 2020). As reported by Hui et al (2020), it is easy to identify the WB or happiness of an individual from a subjective perspective. Nevertheless, as suggested by some researchers, it is better to use a rigorous approach.…”

“…Nevertheless, as suggested by some researchers, it is better to use a rigorous approach. This would prove a more complex task (Hui et al, 2020). According to academicians, there are two old philosophical orientations.…”