Everyone has heard the sayings “good comes back” and “by helping others, you help yourself.” Researchers have found scientific proof that these are not just lovely phrases, but a fully measurable psychological effect.
Scholars from the University of Mannheim posed the query: do individuals who display empathy toward others genuinely feel happier? The study was published in the journal Scientific Reports.
What is “Compassion” from a Scientific Viewpoint
Compassion is not merely pity, but a complete progression of three stages:
Noticing another’s distress.
Emotional resonance.
The drive to assist and take action.
How Compassion and Psychological Well-being are Linked
The scientists did not conduct their own survey, but gathered and mathematically analyzed over 40 separate scientific papers. The analysis revealed a consistent and clear pattern. People inclined toward compassion, on average, report a greater level of psychological well-being. This concept includes general life contentment, the experience of positive feelings, and a sense of purpose.
However, the link between compassion and a reduction in negative emotions proved somewhat weaker. That is, caring for others is not a magic cure for all troubles and low spirits.
But the discovered connection was independent of age, gender, or religious beliefs. It functioned similarly for the young and the elderly, for men and for women.
Why This Occurs
Although researchers maintain that further investigations are needed to grasp the causes, they have several hypotheses:
a feeling of connection and belonging—by assisting others, a person strengthens social ties;
meaningfulness—by performing a kind act, an individual senses that their existence has worth beyond their personal concerns;
positive self-reframing;
distraction from one’s own difficulties.
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