Prosocial spending and well-being
Subtitle: cross-cultural evidence for a psychological universal
By: Lara B. Aknin ... [et al.].
Contributors: National Bureau of Economic Research
Series: NBER working paper series -- working paper 16415; Working paper series (National Bureau of Economic Research : Online) -- working paper no. 16415.
Publisher: National Bureau of Economic Research
Published: 2010
Place of publication: Cambridge, MA
Language: eng
Format: [electronic resource] :
Description: "This research provides the first support for a possible psychological universal: human beings around the world derive emotional benefits from using their financial resources to help others (prosocial spending).  Analyzing survey data from 136 countries, we show that prosocial spending is consistently associated with greater happiness.  To test for causality, we conduct experiments within two very different countries (Canada and Uganda) and show that spending money on others has a consistent, causal impact on happiness.  In contrast to traditional economic thought-which places self-interest as the guiding principle of human motivation-our findings suggest that the reward experienced from helping others may be deeply ingrained in human nature, emerging in diverse cultural and economic contexts"--National Bureau of Economic Research web site.
Notes: Title from PDF file as viewed on 2/15/2011.

Includes bibliographical references.

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