Altruism and wellbeing in an age of austerity

13 Pages·2012·0.44 MB·English

DOING
GOOD?
Altruism and wellbeing
in an age of austerity
Mental Health
Awareness Week 2012
Contents
06 Executive summary
10 The selfish society?
16 Am I altruistic?
18 Altruism for health and
wellbeing
20 Conclusion
22 Useful organisations
and information
22 References
Acknowledgements
This report was written by Dr Dan Robotham,
Isabella Goldie, Lauren Chakkalackal, Chris White,
Kirsten Morgan and Dr Eva Cyhlarova. Others who
contributed to this report include Claire Walsh,
Lisa Gilbert, Marine Jamet, Paul Bristow, Helen Cook,
Simon Lawton-Smith and Dr Andrew McCulloch.

DOING
Design
SEA
GOOD

DOES YOU
GOOD
02 0031
Ralph Waldo Emerson
‘It is one of the most

beautiful compensations
of this life that no man
can sincerely try to help
another without helping
himself…’
04 05
Executive summary The results of the poll also suggest that — Employers promote mentally healthy
people still ‘do good’ on a regular basis; workplaces through encouraging
83% said that they held a door open altruistic activities at work, they
Altruism means caring about other people and
for a stranger in the past week, 72% should also recognise the role of peer
had let someone go ahead of them in a mentoring schemes and volunteering
acting in someone else’s interest. We may be
queue, and 33% had volunteered time programmes with regards to
or resources to help someone else. The workforce development.
acting altruistically whenever we offer someone
vast majority also said that they felt good
our seat on the bus, make a cup of tea for a work after being kind (87%) and that being — Voluntary sector organisations
kind had a positive influence on their support people who are approaching
colleague, donate money to a famine relief fund, health (80%). retirement. This support should aim
to redefine people’s identities so that
or comfort a friend in distress. Despite the problems that our society they can continue to see themselves
faces, there are things we can all do for as contributing members of the
others that can improve the world we live community.
in. We recommend that:
— Commissioners of services aiming
— Schools, nurseries and playgroups to support vulnerable groups should
encourage acts of kindness, peer invest in volunteering and peer
support and a culture of volunteering support services. This is relevant
from childhood. These should be to socially isolated groups such as
The desire to do good deeds for other We have probably all met people who embedded into existing citizenship older people, people with mental
people is natural and deep-rooted, but seem selfish and others who seem activities and mental health health problems, people with learning
often misunderstood. Evolutionary helpful beyond reason. Being at an promotion programmes. Schools, disabilities, those with physical
biologists, sociologists and philosophers extreme of selfishness or selflessness universities and colleges should disabilities and long term illnesses.
have tried to comprehend why we act in can cause problems both for the encourage children and young people Supporting people to contribute
this way, particularly if we do something individual and those around them. Being to volunteer in local communities as may result in reciprocal community
for another person which is against our too selfish can lead to isolation and poor part of curriculum activity. support networks being developed.
own interest. social relationships, whereas being too
selfless can lead to overburden and — Government prioritise investment
Ultimately, altruism is a mystery we have stress. We are each responsible for in third sector organisations
yet to solve. We do not know whether our approach to helping others. designed to promote volunteering
actions such as helping others, sharing, and Time Banks. These organisations
caring for others, volunteering and There are simple, spontaneous ways in need to be supported to create
donating are wholly selfless or whether which anyone can act selflessly, such further opportunities for those most
they are rooted in self-interest. Our as holding a door open for a stranger. isolated to contribute. Training for
motives may be a mixture of the two. There are also structured, more time voluntary sector staff should be
consuming ways of helping others, such provided to help people engage with
Helping other people and engaging in as volunteering for a charity or becoming potential volunteers who may require
these kinds of prosocial behaviour has part of a Time Banking scheme (where additional support.
many advantages. It can improve our you give an hour of your time in
social relationships, give our lives new exchange for an hour of someone else’s
purpose, show us other perspectives on time). Evidence suggests that people,
our own problems, improve the chances particularly older people, can gain a
of others reciprocating our good deed, great deal from formal volunteering,
and make us more attractive to the which can reduce social isolation and
opposite sex. Helping others may improve health.
even produce a sense of euphoria akin
to the sensation we get when eating The UK, like much of the world, is going
good food. through difficult times. Unemployment is
high whilst state support for vulnerable
people is decreasing. In a recent national
opinion survey we asked 2,037 people
how they felt about acts of kindness
such as being helpful or volunteering1.
The majority (76%) agreed with the
statement that society had become
more selfish and materialistic, and
67% thought people were less likely to
be kind to strangers than 10 years ago.
06 07
Sir Winston Churchill
‘W e make a living by
what we get. We make
a life by what we give.’
Case Study: Mentoring young
people in schools
‘My name is Mark. I am 25 years old.
I enjoyed school initially but later failed
to uphold my studies due to issues

happening at home and also coming
Case study: Mentoring young people
of age. This led me to being influenced
21 year old Lily managed to deal with
by negative people. My studies suffered
her mental health problems by attending
due to my early cannabis use and
a self-management course for others
association with undesirables at school,
with similar experiences.
leading me to drop out at 16.
‘ I became homeless after dropping
Unemployed and deflated I was heavily The aim of Mini-MAC is to promote
out of college because of a severe mental
using cannabis and getting involved in positive mental health to vulnerable and
health condition. Nothing I had done to
criminal activity. I was first arrested at at risk young people through music in
try and treat the condition had worked so
the age of 15 for a robbery charge that schools, such as DJ-ing, MC-ing, lyric
I decided to give self-management a go.
was later dropped to a common assault writing, music production and music
charge. I received a caution and a youth performance. It is a great way of improving
After a while it inspired me to suggest
offender team referral. self-esteem, confidence and creativity.
creating a course specifically designed

for young people like myself who were
In 2009 I met Charlie who was working I have seen many things over the years
going through similar experiences. Young
with some of the UK’s most deprived and been in a number of situations where
people are often worried about the stigma
young people through MAC-UK’s Music I have feared for my life. But through my
attached to mental health issues and we
And Change project. We then devised own personal determination, perseverance
hope that being with other people our own
a project in which we taught music and help through Mini-MAC, I have been
age will help us feel more comfortable to
workshops for young people, thus able to change my life for the positive.
talk about our experiences. I now have the
creating Mini-MAC.
confidence to become a course facilitator
Working with Mini-MAC has given me
and share everything that I’ve learnt to
a platform to pursue my own ambitions
help other young people.
of helping young people who are facing
similar situations that I experienced when
Helping other young people has given
I was younger. When I work with the young
me a different perspective on my own
people I feel like I am contributing to their
problems and I’ve realised that many
positive individual development. This
other people were in similar positions or
motivates me to continue working as
even worse off than I was. I’ve found this
I do. I feel this work is crucial in promoting
experience worthwhile and beneficial for
community cohesion in my own and
my own mental health and wellbeing.’
similar communities. I am currently
studying a youth work managerial
degree and I am a Tutor at Mini-MAC.’
08 09
The selfish society?
Motive distinguishes altruism from As the evolutionary biologist JBS
egoism. The concept of Karma in Haldane once joked, “I would lay down
Buddhism holds that ‘good’ deeds my life for two brothers or eight cousins”.
Words like ‘selfishness’ and ‘selflessness’
cause harm unless they result from Some animals take this one step further;
‘good’ motives. In other words, the the worker bees in a beehive cannot
are charged with emotional, moral and
primary goal of altruism is to improve reproduce, but they share 50–75% of
political meaning. Their virtues are often another’s welfare. We may help their genes with each member of the
ourselves as a consequence of being hive; they are genetically invested in the
discussed. Should we be selfish, or more selfless? altruistic, but this is a secondary benefit. hive’s survival.
On the other hand, the primary goal of
To what extent should we put the needs of egoism is to improve our own welfare. Cooperation has social advantages;
We may help others along the way, but one example of cooperation in humans
others before our own? Or should we shun the this is a secondary benefit 4. is reciprocal altruism. Examples occur
whenever we give something in order
needs of others in order to look after ourselves Traditional children’s stories and to receive something in the future;
fairy tales often portray altruism and the person we helped is expected to
and our families? selflessness as virtues. In Aesop’s respond in kind when we need a favour
Fables and Grimms’ Fairy tales, the from them.
caring and generous character thrives,
whilst the selfish character suffers. Reciprocal altruism between two or
In ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles more people can be explained using a
Dickens, the character of Ebenezer scenario called the Prisoner’s Dilemma.
Scrooge becomes happier when he The dilemma is that each individual
The UK faces challenging and unstable What about our present situation?
becomes nicer. Modern children’s gains an advantage by betraying the
times. Weaknesses in traditional We conducted an independent poll
stories often focus on self-satisfaction others rather than cooperating with
economic models have been exposed; of 2,037 people across the country
and reward, where a character has them; however, if all parties chose
resources have become scarcer and less of which 76% believed that society
their wishes granted for behaving to betray each other then everyone
affordable. The Coalition Government’s was becoming more selfish and
in a ‘good’ manner5. loses out. The following example is an
‘Big Society’ agenda aims to materialistic and 67% thought people
adaptation of the Prisoner’s Dilemma:
take responsibility away from central were less likely to be kind to strangers
Altruism is of interest to evolutionary
authority and place it in the hands of than 10 years ago1. Although anecdotal,
biologists, sociologists and philosophers. Steven wins an eBay auction
the people, but such rhetoric requires these figures indicate where society
Genetic and evolutionary factors explain
resources, structure and thought in thinks it is heading. Seldom have words to buy a watch from Mark for
some altruistic acts; all life is defined
order to be made a reality. such as ‘selfishness’ and ‘selflessness’ £50 (plus postage). Steven
by genes that encourage living things
meant as much as they do now. could send the money to Mark,
to behave in certain ways, which in
History is filled with examples of human
turn ensures the genes’ survival and who in turn could send the
beings collaborating through times Altruism is not a common word. It means
continuation6. Emperor Penguins, watch and both would benefit
of hardship; for example, collective caring about others’ welfare and acting
for example, huddle together during
rebuilding efforts following World to benefit them. It is a combination from the exchange.
Antarctic winters to avoid freezing
War II or the thousands who offered of benevolence, charity, compassion,
to death and to ensure the next
refuge to the people of New Orleans and friendship, and includes prosocial generation’s survival, not because However, either party
following Hurricane Katrina. Similarly, behaviours such as sharing, donating,
they are being nice to each other. would stand to gain more
there are examples of hardship leading cooperating and volunteering2. We may
from the exchange if they
to civil unrest, from the Peasants’ Revolt behave altruistically whenever we offer
Kin selection theory predicts that we
of 1381 through to the miners’ strikes someone a seat on the bus, make a betrayed the other person;
will be most altruistic towards relatives
of the 1980s and the 2011 riots. Difficult cup of tea for a work colleague, donate if Steven sent the money but
with whom we share the most genes.
times can divide people but they can money to a famine relief fund, or comfort The chances of our genes surviving Mark did not send the watch
also ignite collective responsibility. a friend whose relationship has ended.
improve when we help our relatives then Mark keeps the watch and
survive. We are (usually) 50% genetically
The concept of altruism has been gains £50, Steven gets nothing
related to siblings, parents and children,
central to Western philosophy for (except what is known as ‘the
25% to nieces and nephews, and
millennia; Aristotle alluded to it in 12.5% to cousins. Some research sucker’s payoff’). Mark gets
Nicomachean Ethics (4th Century BCE).
shows that adopted children, on the sucker’s payoff if the roles
The term was first coined by Auguste
average, get smaller inheritance shares are reversed. However, if both
Comte in 18513 who believed that
than biological children7.
some human behaviour represented men betray each other they
Altruism; from the French, an unselfish desire to ‘live for others’. both lose the time and effort
He distinguished altruism from egoism;
associated with an auction that
altruisme, from autrui: which is the belief that we always act
came to nothing, they
in our own self-interest.
‘other people’, derived may also develop a reputation
as timewasting traders.
from Latin alter: ‘other’
0140 1015
Over time, cooperation is more A ‘Time Bank’ is an example of Most of the acts described so far may The empathy–altruism hypothesis4
advantageous than betrayal. Betraying structured reciprocal altruism. This is a not seem altruistic, since most of them suggests that empathic concern
may have benefits in the short-term, group of ‘bankers’ who make deposits are influenced by self-interest. This does evokes true altruism, since the ultimate
but it is problematic in the longer term to and withdrawals from a system where not debunk the idea of ‘pure’ altruism. motivation is to benefit the person in
because we remember how others time is the currency. Bankers accrue We may see this in the aftermath of distress. Alternatively, the negative-state
have treated us in the past. We often tell ‘credit’ through helping other bankers. tragic world events; $14 billion was relief model 15 suggests that we help
others when someone has treated us They can then ‘spend’ this credit by raised across the world for the 2004 people in distress because witnessing
badly, which damages the reputation of getting other bankers to help them with Boxing Day tsunami. This sort of others’ distress makes us feel bad,
the betrayer. something. For example, one banker behaviour cannot be explained through “empathic distress is unpleasant and
could offer child care in exchange for kin selection (the people we help are helping the victim is usually the best way
The popular BBC television programme having their house cleaned by another, not related to us), reciprocation (we will to get rid of the source”16.
‘The Apprentice’ shows many examples who in turn gains credit to call upon a never meet them and have little chance
of cooperation and betrayal. Contestants favour from other bankers. of gaining anything from them in return), Whether true altruism exists is a
will cooperate in order to win a task, but or status (we may give anonymously philosophical question we have yet to
if they believe that the task is failing, they Engaging in reciprocal altruism or through channels which will offer no answer. Recently, altruism was listed
sometimes betray each other in order to influences our reputation and increases public boost to our reputation). as one of ten unexplained mysteries
save themselves. This reaches its climax our social capital; improving the quality about human behaviour 17. Debates
in ‘the boardroom’ situation, where each and quantity of our social relationships The concept of empathy may explain around altruism theories continue,
contestant makes choices to cooperate with others. Being known as a fair person altruism. Empathic concern is the ability perhaps empathy and stress relief both
or betray, depending on what they stand improves the chances that others will to recognise others’ emotions and then contribute towards an explanation.
to lose. This scenario is repeated each cooperate with us. Being known as a to help them. We are more likely to help Supporters of the empathy altruism
week, so people are aware of who has cheat or freeloader has the opposite someone if we have empathic concern hypotheses argue that people who
cooperated with them and/or betrayed effect. We need to be able to detect and for the person in distress; people often feel sympathy are more likely to help
them in the past. punish cheating in order for the system give to charities if they have a personal someone in distress than people who
to work10. This is why online stores have interest in the cause. feel personal distress only 18 19.
Reciprocal altruism is emotive. We may customer feedback systems; the store
develop feelings of duty to people who can enhance its reputation through Children as young as 12 months Supporters of the negative-state relief
have helped us and feelings of spite feedback from satisfied customers, just show compassion towards companions model argue that people are less likely
or anger to those who have betrayed as it can damage its reputation through in distress13 and at 14–18 months to help someone in distress when
there is an easier way to physically and
us. Other possible emotions include feedback from unsatisfied customers. children appear to act altruistically
psychologically escape the situation.
gratitude to the neighbour who push without being asked, praised or
starts our car on a cold winter morning, Sometimes we witness people acting rewarded14.
obligation to return the favour at some altruistically in public. We may act this
point in the future, guilt about the person way in public in order to impress others;
you forgot to wish ‘Happy Birthday’ to, such gestures may improve our status
and anger about the person who did not amongst people who witness our
offer you a seat on the bus even though altruistic act. A common example
you were wearing a plaster cast is when we perceive politicians as
on your leg. giving time to local causes, gaining
exposure and press coverage, and
in turn increasing their popularity.
This can backfire if we are seen to be
‘doing good’ in order to ‘do well’ for
ourselves11. Such public displays of
altruism are less likely to be reciprocated
than private ones12.
Displaying altruism and Men put on their best
selflessness towards others behaviour when attractive
can be sexually attractive.8 ladies are close by. When
the scenario is reversed,
women’s behaviour remains
the same.9
12 13
Galatians Case study: Charity fundraising
‘ Because of my run I have been selected to
carry the Olympic torch on July 12th – I am
‘ Whatever a man
so proud to do this and represent mental
health in this positive way.’
sows, that shall
‘ Last year I ran 42 marathons in 7 weeks
to raise awareness of the benefits good
nutrition and exercise have on mental
he also reap.’ health. My journey took me through
England, Scotland and Wales. I was totally
dependent on people’s support, generosity
and kindness.

Along the way friends, friends-of-friends,
family and in some cases complete
strangers welcomed me into their homes,
Case study: Volunteering fed and entertained me so I could carry on
‘ How have I found my experience as a my journey. Many people I spoke to along
mentor? Well, just simply I would have the way either had or lived with mental
to say without a doubt that it’s given health issues and I was told many times
me a much ‘Brighter Future’. what I was doing felt personal for them
Susan, Brighter Future’s Volunteer Mentor and they were really grateful. I was also
told many times that I was an inspiration
Brighter Futures is a project designed to and made people feel more positive about
support isolated people in later life through themselves.
peer mentoring support. Susan, aged 62,
joined the project as a volunteer within The journey was hard, it was supposed
its first year and had previously spent to be but it was made possible by support
her career working as a registered nurse. After a time she realised that she had from others. I knew I couldn’t let anyone
Susan’s working life ended abruptly after developed a depressive illness and sought down, they believed in me and that made
the care home she worked in closed down. help from her GP who referred her to me believe in myself, it gave me strength,
This was a very traumatic event for her specialist mental health services. As part determination and confidence. It was a
as overnight she lost all of her support of her journey of recovery she began to humbling experience, I needed help from
networks and purpose in life. In the early explore options within volunteering. people to succeed; I had to ask for help
days of her redundancy she realised that and I found that hard but knew if I didn’t
her husband had a very full and busy life On contacting Brighter Futures, Susan that I would fail. The response I got back
that didn’t include her and that her children immediately felt she had made the right was at times overwhelming; it definitely felt
were old enough to live independent lives. decision and after joining the training like I got a whole lot more back than I gave.
She described feeling that she was no programme she met other volunteers
longer needed and struggling to find a and quickly developed friendships within I will always double-check myself now
reason to get out of bed. the group. During her time within Brighter if I am asked for help to make sure I am
Futures, Susan supported a number giving all I can because people did that for
of isolated older people, some by providing me! It’s hard to describe how good it feels
individual mentoring support, but she to know you have touched the hearts of
also helped to run group sessions where people, all I can say is it makes me smile -
she feels her skills were best used. She a lot.’
is now considering part-time work in the
caring field but intends to continue to
volunteer as she feels that volunteering
with the project has completely changed
her life and that after experiencing a very
bleak time, she now feels that she has a
hopeful future.
14 15
Am I altruistic?
Altruism and self-interest can be thought At the other extreme, over-empathising
of as opposite ends of a spectrum34. and helping can be obstructive,
There will be a small number of ineffective and even destructive.
Altruism depends on genetics,
extremely selfish people, a small number Behaviours associated with so-called
of extremely selfless people, with the pathological altruism include denying
hormones, childhood influences,
majority fitting somewhere in between. one’s own needs, focusing on others
to the detriment of those needs, and
personality, gender, society
At one extreme, people who behave finding it difficult to say ‘no’ to others.
and culture. selfishly, experience low levels of guilt The causes of pathological altruism
and empathy and who take advantage may be based in childhood, e.g. a child
of others may fit the criteria for antisocial placed in a caring role may become
personality disorder (ASPD). Behaviours hypersensitive to empathy36.
associated with ASPD include repeated
lying, impulsivity, aggression and The extremes of prosocial or antisocial
We inherit some altruistic personality Wider society and culture influence manipulation. Psychopathy, which is behaviour can damage mental health.
traits from our parents; identical twins us too. Many cultures view altruism thought to occur in 1% of the population, People with traits associated with
share more altruistic tendencies than as desirable and many world religions is associated with ASPD. The cause psychopathy and ASPD often become
non-identical twins 20 21. Brain chemistry promote it, including Buddhism, of ASPD is complex and includes socially excluded, fail to form meaningful
also effects altruism; hormones such as Christianity, Islam, Jainism, Judaism and genetic factors and early environmental relationships, have increased chances
vasopressin can influence ruthlessness Sikhism. Cultures where large families conditions35. of developing anxiety disorders37,
and generosity 22, and oxytocin can are common emphasise the importance depression38 or of taking their own life39.
influence parochial altruism, helping of children contributing to family welfare; Their behaviours can also be damaging
us bond with people inside our circle, children from Kenya, Mexico and the to the mental health and wellbeing of
though also increasing aggression Philippines25 and adults in Thailand26 people around them. The mental health
towards outsiders23. were described as being more prosocial consequences of being overly altruistic
than their US counterparts. Similarly, may include workplace burnout 40,
The environment also has an influence. English adolescents are more focused feelings of guilt or depression, and
Positive role models foster prosocial on individual goals than Chinese even anorexia36.
behaviour in children, which can be adolescents, and in turn less likely
encouraged by verbally reinforcing to engage in prosocial behaviour.27
acts of kindness, but also disciplining Western society is more focused on
children when they have harmed others competition and individual achievement.
whilst explaining the rationale for such
discipline24. However, rewarding children Social exclusion makes people less
for prosocial behaviour may encourage altruistic, it reduces empathy and
them to act in this way only to gain trust in others28 and lessens access
incentives. to meaningful relationships. This may
explain why extraverts29 and people
‘I am altruistic only to fit in
with a sense of individual social
responsibility30 tend to behave more
and look like everyone else.
altruistically. The UK riots of 2011 remind
us of how social exclusion influences
If all I did was take, then I would
antisocial behaviour; the press discussed
rioters’ isolation from a society that they
stand out’
felt they had little stake in, something
that has long been recognised31 32.
Antisocial Personality
Disorder user forum
‘I appear to have the disease
When the price of giving is low,
to please, usually at my own
men appear more generous,
expense. I appear to have
and when the price is high,
women are more generous33. become a victim of my ‘good’
intentions’
Yahoo Answers User
0186 0197
Altruism for health Social networks in later life can diminish Helping or volunteering too much can
due to immobility or loss of friends and make us feel stressed and overwhelmed
and wellbeing loved ones. The benefits of volunteering by others’ demands, outweighing any
here are well documented; it can associated benefits6 2 55. In extreme
improve mental health54, wellbeing and cases this can lead to compassion
Negative emotional states can affect our longevity 55 56. Socially isolated older fatigue - a secondary form of traumatic
adults gain most from volunteering5 7. stress63. For this reason we should be
immune system, contributing to stress-related The Brighter Futures project conducted careful before taking on too much.
by the Mental Health Foundation
illnesses41 42. Positive emotional states have involved piloting peer mentoring Not everyone has time to volunteer
services for isolated older people in or the resources to give financially,
the opposite effect.
the community; older people acted but we can all fit good deeds into
as mentors to help isolated peers daily life. The Metro newspaper
reconnect with communities. This provides a ‘good deed feed’ each day
improved mentors’ mood, confidence in which members of the public submit
and helped give them a sense of examples of others’ acts of kindness.
purpose58. Our recent survey showed Through our national opinion survey we
greater proportions of people over the asked people (n=2,037) about the last
age of 55 had volunteered their time time they carried out particular acts of
or services in the past week (41%) kindness; 83% said that they held a door
compared to people aged 25-34 (25%).1 open for a stranger within the last week,
Functional MRI scans show that Reasons for this include increased social 72% had let someone go ahead of them
altruistic behaviours activate the brain’s support, increased encouragement There are fewer studies focusing on in a queue, but 28% of respondents
mesolimbic reward system, an area to lead physically active lifestyles, the benefits of volunteering for young could not remember the last time they
that is activated when we are rewarded distraction from one’s own problems, and middle aged people. According gave up their seat for a stranger on
42. The implication here is that prosocial engagement in meaningful activity, to one poll, 68% of young people had public transport 1.
behaviour may give us a euphoric and improvements in self-belief and volunteered in the past year and 46% of
physical sensation, or a ‘helper’s competence51. young people mentioned helping others Even something as simple as
high’44 and can improve emotional as a reason for volunteering59. Young listening to someone, forgiving them,
wellbeing and reduce stress in the long Volunteering can also benefit our health. people involved in volunteering tend or showing loyalty can make
term45. In our own poll of 2,037 people, This may refer to formal volunteering to have higher future aspirations, self- a difference. In one study, students
80% agreed that being kind has a roles, such as an internship at a esteem and motivation toward school were asked to carry out five random
positive influence on their own health, company in order to gain experience work than non-volunteers60. One study acts of kindness per week; examples
with 3% disagreeing. An even higher to help with job prospects. It could also showed that participating in a included donating blood, helping a
percentage (87%) said that they felt be less formal, for example, helping a Time Bank scheme was beneficial friend with a problem, or visiting sick
good after being kind; 1% disagreed1. friend carry their shopping back from the to health; 66% of the study sample relatives. Over six weeks these activities
supermarket. From our survey, 33% of was below the age of 6561. improved wellbeing in students who
People who act generously, even people said that they had volunteered participated, in comparison to non-
in small ways, benefit from adopting their time or resources to someone else participating students 64.
a positive self-identity as a ‘good’ within the last week, although it was
person 47. Prosocial behaviour more common in people who worked
improves morale, self-esteem, part-time or who were retired, compared
happiness and wellbeing48 49, and with full-time workers1.
reduces depressive symptoms50.
In peer support volunteering, the
volunteer shares similar life experiences
to the person he or she is helping. Peers
may be able to offer advice for coping
strategies that professionals may not
Families who chose to
offer or know about, and the person
providing support can empathise with
donate the organs of
the person in distress52. For people
with multiple sclerosis, those who
a recently deceased
provided peer support showed improved
confidence, self-awareness, self-esteem,
family member reported
and reduced symptoms of depression53.
psychological benefits
from their decision.4 2
18 19