The results of a systematic review suggest performing acts of kindness improves the well-being of the actor. Among breast cancer survivors, performing prosocial acts may enhance feelings of social support. However, the two self-kindness conditions yielded either null or detrimental effects.

Pepperdine University

According to the research, three types of kindness interventions can be conducted among healthy individuals or patients with chronic illness to improve their well-being.

-Acts of Kindness to Others

-Acts of Kindness to Self

-Self Kindness Meditation

Kindness Interventions

Haydon, M. D., Walsh, L. C., Fritz, M. M., Rahal, D., Lyubomirsky, S., & Bower, J. E. (2022). Kindness interventions for early-stage breast cancer survivors: An online, pilot randomized controlled trial. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 1-12.

Kindness interventions for early-stage breast cancer survivors: An online, pilot randomized controlled trial.

Curry, O. S., Rowland, L. A., Van Lissa, C. J., Zlotowitz, S., McAlaney, J., & Whitehouse, H. (2018). Happy to help? A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of performing acts of kindness on the well-being of the actor. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 76, 320-329.

 Happy to help? A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of performing acts of kindness on the well-being of the actor.

The Effect of Kindness Interventions

In the research conducted by Haydon et al., participants in this condition were instructed to perform kind, generous, or thoughtful acts directed towards others, such as paying for someone’s coffee or writing a note of appreciation.

Acts of Kindness to Others

In the research conducted by Haydon et al., participants in this condition were instructed to perform kind acts directed towards themselves, such as taking a mid-day walk or eating a pleasurable meal which can promote relaxation.

Acts of Kindness to Self

In the research conducted by Haydon et al., participants were instructed to listen to a 5-minute guided meditation designed to enhance kind and loving thoughts towards themselves each week.

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