What gives? Giving; it makes givers happy
By Admin | August 28, 2017
It looks like being good to others is good for you, as well.
Using brain scans, scientists in Switzerland discovered that even small acts of generosity or charitable promises triggered brain changes that made subjects happier.
"The findings mean that spending money on others rather than on oneself could be an alternative road to happiness," said study author Philippe Tobler, neuro-economist at the University of Zurich.
To conduct the study, each of 50 subjects was given the equivalent of around $26 a week. Some were told to spend that money on themselves, while others were instructed to spend it on other people. All were given MRIs throughout the study along with being asked about their spending.
The observed brain activity showed that even thinking of committing charitable acts made the subjects happier.
Maybe it is actually better to give than to receive, after all.
For more about the study and the results, read “Givers Really Are Happier Than Takers” by U.S. News & World Report.
