The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos Giving Tuesday: Why Giving Money to Others Makes us Happier
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Nov 29, 2022 Lara Aknin, a social psychology professor at Simon Fraser University, explores how giving money to others boosts happiness significantly more than spending on ourselves. She discusses the power of prosocial spending, sharing how choosing the right charity amplifies the joy of giving. The conversation highlights the transformative effects of generosity and its ability to foster a positive feedback loop of kindness. Additionally, listeners learn about the impressive fundraising efforts that helped raise nearly $470,000 for meaningful causes, demonstrating the fulfilling impact of altruism.
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Meal Prep Service Happiness
- Lara Aknin found meal prep services surprisingly freeing.
- This allowed her more time for enjoyable activities and reduced frustration.
Pro-Social Spending vs. Material Purchases
- Buying possessions gives a short-lived happiness boost.
- Pro-social spending, using money to benefit others, offers a more sustainable path to happiness.
Correlation Between Spending and Happiness
- Spending on others, not oneself, correlates with happiness, even when controlling for income.
- Large international surveys and correlational studies confirm this link.