Studies Say... Giving Feels Good
Take my word for it, there is ample research that giving increases happiness — even if you are left with less after you do it. The research comes in many forms, from logging self-reported "good" feelings after making a gift to measuring neurochemical changes during the process of gift-giving. The same is true for volunteering and similar forms of prosocial behaviour.
Evolutionary psychologists such as Dr. Gad Saad, PhD, posit that gift-giving is an innate human characteristic that has evolved because it aids in the survival of the species. The practice probably had its beginnings in simple food sharing and became more complex. It is a universal phenomenon that now takes many forms. Likely positive feedback in the form of happiness and feelings of well-being also evolved to reinforce these activities.
That’s kind of a big-picture perspective. Another perspective comes from something called the Self-Determination Theory, which says that self-determination, or the ability to manage one’s life, is extremely important for well-being (or happiness). Autonomy, competence and connection are essential for self-determination, all of which are supported by giving.
In a 2021 article published in the Journal of Happiness Studies, a fourth condition for happiness was noted — “beneficence,” or perceived social impact. Happiness is rated higher when the giver perceives the gift as making a difference.
It’s said that happiness is contagious. The same may be true with giving. Studies show that over 80 per cent of Canadians give away money or goods and about 75 per cent of adults volunteer. This may be part of the reason for Canada typically ranking in the top 10 of all countries on the United Nations' happiness scale. Giving, by almost everyone, has helped make this a great place to live.