Understanding the "Feel Good, Do Good" Phenomenon
The "feel good, do good" phenomenon is a term used in positive psychology to describe the interplay between feeling good emotionally and displaying helpful, prosocial behaviors. This reinforcing cycle suggests that positive moods and emotions can spark altruistic actions, while also vice versa - that doing good deeds can trigger pleasant feelings.
Defining Key Aspects
Let's break down the key elements encompassed in the "feel good, do good" phenomenon:
- Feel good: experiencing subjective well-being, positive emotions like joy, contentment, love, awe, amusement.
- Do good: engaging in voluntary actions focused on benefiting others' welfare, such as donation, charity, kindness.
- Reinforcing cycle: the "feel good, do good" phrase implies a mutually escalating relationship between mood and behavior.
Psychology Research on Emotions and Altruism
Empirical psychology studies provide evidence to support connections between feeling good and doing good. For example:
- Those induced into positive moods were more likely to help a stranger who dropped pens.
- People reported higher intentions of charitable activities when viewing uplifting video clips.
- People experienced increased positive emotions after reflecting on times they helped others.
Reasons Why "Feel Good, Do Good" Occurs
Why does this reinforcement between feeling good emotionally and displaying prosocial actions happen psychologically? Some hypothesized reasons include:
Cognitive Broadening Effects
Positive emotions can trigger expansive mindsets and openness to new ideas. This creative, big picture thinking could prompt realization of new altruism opportunities.
Increased Self-Efficacy
Feeling happy and confident fuels belief you have the resources and competence to successfully help others.
Enhanced Social Resources
Positivity facilitates bonding between people which expands social support connections that enable coordination of charity efforts.
Uplifted Moral Identity
Pleasant moods activate one's values around kindness, fairness and justice which boosts motivation for prosocial acts.
Increased Empathic Concern
Happiness enables people to look beyond self-interest and connect emotionally with helping relieve another's suffering.
Components of Prosocial, Altruistic Behaviors
The "do good" aspect of the "feel good, do good" phenomenon involves engaging in intentional behaviors focused on benefiting others' well-being without expectation of external rewards. These prosocial actions can take many forms such as:
Direct Helping
Going out of your way to actively assist someone in need with tasks or problems in their life. This includes emotional, instrumental, and emergency assistance.
Sharing Desirable Resources
Allocating your own valued assets (such as money, food, time) to provide resources perceived as useful or necessary to others.
Displaying Generosity and Charity
Giving your tangible resources freely to contribute to an individual, group or cause's welfare with no strings attached.
Exhibiting Cooperation and Unity
Behaving in a manner aligned towards achieving shared goals and group harmony by following expected norms.
Showing Kindness and Compassion
Treating all people, including strangers and marginalized groups, with benevolent actions rooted in empathy, patience and understanding.
Aspects of Subjective Well-Being and Positivity
The "feel good" dimension of the “feel good, do good” phenomenon centers around experiencing high levels of positive emotions, psychological satisfaction and general wellness. Main components include:
Positive Affect and Emotions
Feeling pleasant moods and emotions like joy, interest, contentment and love on a frequent basis.
Life Satisfaction
A cognitive appraisal that your overall life circumstances align closely with your ideals and expectations.
Domain Satisfactions
Judgments that you are satisfied with key areas of life like relationships, work, health, finances, etc.
Low Negative Affect
Experiencing only mild and infrequent unpleasant moods like anger, guilt, stress or anxiety.
Psychological Flourishing
Displaying high levels of curiosity, gratitude, purpose, growth, self-worth and optimism about future outcomes.
Health Benefits of “Feel Good, Do Good” Lifestyle
Embracing the reciprocal, escalating cycle of feeling good and doing good behaviors on a consistent basis can lead to extensive personal wellness benefits, including:
Lower Mortality Rates
People categorized as "givers" who value prosociality tend to live longer lives, perhaps thanks to the physical perks of generosity.
Increased Longevity
Older adults who volunteer 100+ hours per year have lower rates of disease, better functioning, and reduced mortality.
Greater Life Satisfaction
Feeling positive emotions and using one's strengths to help others are both key factors tied to enjoying high life satisfaction.
Enhanced Self-Esteem
Doing acts of kindness has been shown to increase people's confidence, sense of purpose, and self-worth.
Improved Well-Being
Helping behaviors get people out of their own heads which minimizes depression. Altruists exhibit increased overall happiness and health.
How to Cultivate “Feel Good, Do Good” Habits
Want to foster more “feel good, do good” patterns in your own life? Here are some researched tips:
Keep a Gratitude Journal
Jot down 3-5 things you feel grateful for each day. This exercise is linked to positive emotions.
Identify Your Strengths
Take the VIA Survey to discover your core talents and abilities. Use these in serving others.
Find Ways to Use Strengths
Search for novel ways to deploy your top strengths each week in acts of kindness or charity.
Set Prosocial Goals
Define objectives around intentional acts like "compliment 5 strangers" or "volunteer twice monthly.”
Share Positive Events
Telling others about your positive life happenings amplifies the benefits. Listen generously in return.
As these habits demonstrate, small consistent efforts towards feeling good and doing good compound over time for outsized personal and societal impact.
FAQs
What are some examples of “feel good, do good” behaviors?
Some examples include: feeling grateful then helping a neighbor in need; using your strengths at work which uplifts your mood and productivity; meditating to feel peaceful then donating goods to charity.
Does the “do good, feel good” cycle also work?
Yes, the reciprocal relationship can also work in the “do good, feel good” direction. When people voluntarily help others, they tend to experience increased positive emotions, life satisfaction, self-esteem and overall well-being.
Can money buy “feel good, do good” happiness?
No, research suggests the happiness that comes from prosocial spending on others persists longer than the joy from monetary purchases for oneself. So charity leads to more sustainable feel good happiness than material purchases.
What sustains the “feel good, do good” process long-term?
The mutual reinforcement between feeling good and doing good activities needs consistent practice through self-care habits like gratitude, meditation, using strengths for good to sustain benefits rather than short bursts of charity or pleasure seeking.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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