The science is in: Spending on others increases happiness

Feeling good about spending money on someone else rather than for personal benefit may be a universal response among people in both impoverished countries and rich nations, according to new research published by the American Psychological Association.

The Warm Glow 

The study is the first empirical evidence that "The warm glow" we receive from spending on someone else rather than on oneself may be a globally human trait the authors of the study reported in American Psychologists Association's Journal of Personality and Social Psychology®. 

“Researchers found a positive relationship between personal well-being and spending on others in 120 of 136 countries covered in the 2006-2008 Gallup World Poll.” 

“The link between well-being and spending on others was significant in every region of the world, and it was not affected by other factors among those surveyed, such as income, social support, perceived freedom and perceived national corruption, the study said.” 

Want to feel happier? Spend money on others 

The American Psychologists Association’s study found that “People who remembered spending money on someone else felt happier than those who recalled spending money on themselves, even when the researchers controlled for the extent to which people built or strengthened a relationship”. 

Respondents were asked to describe their happiness levels after being divided into two sets of groups. One group was asked to recall spending money on themselves or someone else, while Some respondents were asked to recall recently spending money on themselves or someone else. The other group was tested for their happiness level without recalling past spending.

The study found “Those who recalled spending on someone else said they had a greater feeling of well-being than those who remembered spending on themselves or those who weren't asked about spending.” 

Being a happy helper 

So, it appears the science is in for happiness. If you want to be happier, find opportunities to help other people by spending money on them in ways that they need help. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of being a helper for someone in need.

About HelpPay

HelpPay is a 100% Australian owned company focused on making helping easier.

HelpPay's app is free for anyone to download and the HelpPay Promise ensures that money received to be paid towards a bill only ever goes to pay that bill.

Best of all the HelpPay app keeps a track of how much has been paid so when the full amount owed has been paid it stops accepting payments, providing peace of mind that bills can't be overpaid.

Download the HelpPay app from the Apple Store or Google Play Store for free, today.