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Performing Acts of Kindness Can Boost Both Physical Health and Happiness Levels, Study Finds
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Performing Acts of Kindness Can Boost Both Physical Health and Happiness Levels, Study Finds

Performing acts of kindness boosts our health, according to meta-analysis of 201 independent studies, comprising 198,213 total participants.

Social & Lifestyle

Performing acts of kindness and helping other people can be good for people’s health and well-being.

That’s according to new research published by the American Psychological Association.

But not all good-hearted behavior is equally beneficial to the giver. The strength of the link depends on many factors, including the type of kindness, the definition of well-being, and the giver’s age, gender, and other demographic factors.

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“Prosocial behavior—altruism, cooperation, trust, and compassion—are all necessary ingredients of a harmonious and well-functioning society,” said lead author Bryant P.H. Hui, PhD, a research assistant professor at the University of Hong Kong. “It is part of the shared culture of humankind, and our analysis shows that it also contributes to mental and physical health.”

Previous studies have suggested that people who engage in more prosocial behavior are happier and have better mental and physical health than those who don’t spend as much time helping others.

However, not all studies have found evidence for that link, and the strength of the connection varies widely in the research literature.