Title |
Altruism, happiness, and health: it’s good to be good
|
---|---|
Published in |
International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, June 2005
|
DOI | 10.1207/s15327558ijbm1202_4 |
Pubmed ID | |
Authors |
Stephen G. Post |
Abstract |
Altruistic (other-regarding) emotions and behaviors are associated with greater well-being, health, and longevity. This article presents a summary and assessment of existing research data on altruism and its relation to mental and physical health. It suggests several complimentary interpretive frameworks, including evolutionary biology, physiological models, and positive psychology. Potential public health implications of this research are discussed, as well as directions for future studies. The article concludes, with some caveats, that a strong correlation exists between the well-being, happiness, health, and longevity of people who are emotionally and behaviorally compassionate, so long as they are not overwhelmed by helping tasks. |
X Demographics
Geographical breakdown
Country | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
United States | 8 | 27% |
United Kingdom | 6 | 20% |
Croatia | 1 | 3% |
France | 1 | 3% |
Guinea | 1 | 3% |
Korea, Republic of | 1 | 3% |
Unknown | 12 | 40% |
Demographic breakdown
Type | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Members of the public | 22 | 73% |
Scientists | 4 | 13% |
Science communicators (journalists, bloggers, editors) | 2 | 7% |
Practitioners (doctors, other healthcare professionals) | 2 | 7% |
Mendeley readers
Geographical breakdown
Country | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
United States | 5 | <1% |
Germany | 3 | <1% |
Canada | 2 | <1% |
United Kingdom | 2 | <1% |
Netherlands | 1 | <1% |
Indonesia | 1 | <1% |
Switzerland | 1 | <1% |
South Africa | 1 | <1% |
Brazil | 1 | <1% |
Other | 5 | <1% |
Unknown | 508 | 96% |
Demographic breakdown
Readers by professional status | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Student > Master | 91 | 17% |
Student > Bachelor | 85 | 16% |
Student > Ph. D. Student | 80 | 15% |
Researcher | 39 | 7% |
Student > Doctoral Student | 35 | 7% |
Other | 111 | 21% |
Unknown | 89 | 17% |
Readers by discipline | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Psychology | 211 | 40% |
Social Sciences | 65 | 12% |
Business, Management and Accounting | 23 | 4% |
Medicine and Dentistry | 22 | 4% |
Economics, Econometrics and Finance | 20 | 4% |
Other | 86 | 16% |
Unknown | 103 | 19% |