Happy People Become Happier through Kindness: A Counting Kindnesses Intervention

Abstract

We examined the relationship between the character strength of kindness and subjective happiness (Study 1), and the effects of a counting kindnesses intervention on subjective happiness (Study 2). In Study 1, participants were 175 Japanese undergraduate students and in Study 2, participants were 119 Japanese women (71 in the intervention group and 48 in the control group). Results showed that: (a) Happy people scored higher on their motivation to perform, and their recognition and enactment of kind behaviors. (b) Happy people have more happy memories in daily life in terms of both quantity and quality. (c) Subjective happiness was increased simply by counting one's own acts of kindness for one week. (d) Happy people became more kind and grateful through the counting kindnesses intervention. Discussion centers on the importance of kindness in producing subjective happiness.

Humor-based online positive psychology interventions: A randomized placebo-controlled long-term trial

“…The findings for the counting funny things intervention are comparable with findings for the counting kindnesses intervention (Otake et al, 2006). In fact, the humor-based variant demonstrated more sustainable effects for happiness.…”

“…In fact, the humor-based variant demonstrated more sustainable effects for happiness. Keeping the spillover effects in mind, that Otake et al (2006) found for the counting kindnesses intervention (on gratitude and performing acts of kindness), one might expect similar effects on traits related to counting funny things such as performing more humorous acts (e.g., telling jokes, making others laugh). The consequences of shared humor (e.g., spending more time with others, strengthening social bonds) might also support the long-term effects.…”

The Effect of Leisure Activities on Life Satisfaction: The Importance of Holiday Trips

“…2005. p. 417), which is lower than the .14 effect size of holiday trips. Otake, Shimai, Tanaka-Matsumi, Otsui and Fredrickson (2006) conducted a study on counting kindness, among women. Their counting kindness intervention increased happiness by .44 on a seven-point scale (Otake et al, 2006), which is equal to a .06 effect size.…”

“…"counting kindness" and "gratitude visits." especially as these studies involved people more attuned to the measurement (Otake et al, 2006) or more eager to increase their happiness 4 DISCUSSION (Seligman et al, 2005). Going on a holiday is just as beneficial, or even more so.…”

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“…Altruism breeds a sense of connection with others and well-being [1,2]. After a disaster, survivors have lost a great deal and are often in a very emotionally open and exposed space, creating the potential for many deep and meaningful relationships and interactions.…”