Our research team published a paper in Scientific Reports demonstrating that everyday helping is associated with improved mood but increased stress when effortful.

Using ecological momentary assessment (EMA), we investigated the emotional dynamics of helping during two nationwide COVID-19 lockdowns (1: N = 803 in Austria, Italy, and Germany and lockdown 2: N = 303 in Austria).

Key findings: Regardless of the effort involved, helping others improved mood. Notably, this mood-boosting effect of helping was strongest in individuals reporting lower mood prior to the helping behavior. However, a critical insight emerged: while helping others can elevate mood, higher-effort acts of kindness were associated with increased stress both before and after the helping behavior.

Conclusion: Helping is most beneficial to a helper's affect when it is not effortful.

Pronizius, E.*, Forbes, P.A.G.*, Feneberg, A.C., Miculescu, B., Nater, U.M., Piperno, G., Silani, G., Stijovic, A., Lamm, C. (2024). The affective antecedents and consequences of effortful helping: an ecological momentary assessment study. Everyday helping is associated with enhanced mood but greater stress when it is more effortful. Scientific Reports, 14, 24120. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-75261-z