The act of giving and receiving has been a subject of psychological research, particularly in understanding its impact on mental health and well-being. While receiving gifts or aid can boost feelings of support and well-being, giving can also have profound effects on the giver’s mental health. This article explores scientific findings on whether it’s better to give or receive for mental health.
1. The Benefits of Giving:
Giving, whether in the form of charity, help, or gifts, is associated with increased mental health benefits. A study published in the Journal of Social Psychology found that people who commit acts of kindness have significantly lower levels of stress and improved mood compared to those who don’t (Buchanan & Bardi, 2010). Another research in the American Journal of Public Health observed that individuals who volunteer have a lower mortality rate, greater functional ability, and lower rates of depression later in life than those who do not volunteer (Post, 2005).
2. The Psychology Behind Giving:
Giving activates regions in the brain associated with pleasure, social connection, and trust, creating a “warm glow” effect. Neurochemicals like endorphins and oxytocin, which are related to happiness and bonding, are released during acts of giving, indicating a biological basis for the joy derived from giving (Moll et al., 2006).
3. Receiving and Mental Health:
Receiving help, support, or gifts can also positively affect mental health by increasing feelings of social support and reducing stress and anxiety. It can reinforce social bonds and contribute to a positive self-image. However, the context and perception of receiving are crucial; if individuals feel too dependent or perceive inequality in the exchange, it can negatively impact mental health (Liang et al., 2001).
4. Balancing Giving and Receiving:
The relationship between giving and receiving is most beneficial when it’s balanced. Reciprocal altruism, where there is a mutual exchange of benefits, has been shown to foster community cooperation and individual well-being (Trivers, 1971). Healthy relationships often involve a balance of giving and receiving, ensuring that both parties feel valued and supported.
Conclusion:
Both giving and receiving have their place in promoting mental health and well-being. While giving often leads to broader and more profound mental health benefits due to its impact on social connectivity, self-esteem, and activation of positive brain pathways, receiving is also important for feeling supported and valued. The key is finding a balance that fosters reciprocal support and nurtures mental health in a community context.
References:
- Buchanan, K.E., & Bardi, A. (2010). Acts of kindness and acts of novelty affect life satisfaction. The Journal of Social Psychology.
- Post, S.G. (2005). Altruism, Happiness, and Health: It’s Good to Be Good. International Journal of Behavioral Medicine.
- Moll, J., et al. (2006). Human fronto–mesolimbic networks guide decisions about charitable donation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
- Liang, J., et al. (2001). The effects of providing and receiving emotional support on depressive symptoms. Journal of Health and Social Behavior.
- Trivers, R.L. (1971). The evolution of reciprocal altruism. The Quarterly Review of Biology.
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