First published 30 April 2020
Generosity is paradoxical. Those who give, receive in turn; the world of the generous grows larger; to spend for others’ wellbeing is to enhance our own life and standing.
This philosophy extends from ancient proverbs to modern social science – and there’s increasing international evidence that links giving to improved happiness, health, and social connection.
DoGoodology The Science of Doing Good describes the ‘Helper’s High’ – a feeling of wellbeing that stems from knowing our actions have helped someone else. This natural high that ‘do-gooders’ feel is the release of endorphins like Dopamine and Oxytocin. And regardless of exercise routine, diet, or faith, generosity is also linked to lower mortality risks.
Neuroscience researchers have also investigated the neural mechanisms of charitable giving using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Consistent with the ‘Helper’s High’, MRI results showed the brain lights up in the same regions it does when we feel pleasure, trust, and a warm glow. Happiness also increases.
The effect isn’t exclusive to monetary donations. Research into positive psychology by Dr Sonja Lyubomirsky and Dr Matthew Della Porta of the University of California suggests that performing random acts of kindness elicits similar results.
This notion of happiness has been explored through the discipline of positive psychology since the 1990s. Happiness doesn’t emerge as a personality type or mood, but is more about a sense of wellbeing that comes from living a good life; a life that’s driven by relationships and meaning.
It matters that through our giving and volunteering, we stand for our core values.
The most recent Giving Australia report commissioned by the Commonwealth Department of Social Services found extra joy comes when people choose to act on their values collectively with others. This may be as a family, workplace, friends, donor circle, or group with another commonality. Giving together multiplies the benefit.
With health, happiness, and a possibly longer life on the way, its little wonder 80 per cent of Australian adults are addicted to the ‘Helper’s High’!
Author: Associate Professor Wendy Scaife, Director of the Australian Centre for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies (ACPNS).
