Otake et al., 2006: Reflecting on kind behavior increased happiness among undergraduates over a week
Reference:
Otake, K., Shimai, S., Tanaka-Matsumi, J., Otsui, K., & Fredrickson, B. L. (2006). Happy people become happier through kindness: A counting kindnesses intervention. Journal of happiness studies, 7(3), 361-375.
Download PDFSummary:
Undergraduates asked to reflect on their own kind behavior toward others every day for a week showed significant increases in happiness over this period, while those in a no-treatment control group did not. Randomization was at the class level.
Psychological Process:
Need
Need to BelongWhat Desired Meaning is At Stake?
What is the Person Trying to Understand?
To Feel Connected, Included, Respected, and Valued by OthersHow?
Psychological Question Addressed
Am I connected to others?Am I connected to others?Bolstering beliefs about social connectednessPsychological Question Addressed
Am I connected to others?Psychological Process 2:
Psychological Process 3:
Heading
Am I connected to others?Social Area:
Well-being
Intervention Technique:
Active reflection, on a positive aspect of self