Why Kindness?

Kindness improves interpersonal interactions and creates positive connections and relationships. Research shows that kindness benefits the receiver, the actor, and the bystanders who witness the kind behavior. Kindness can increase the feeling of similarity between the self and the other, increase cooperation, and leave both the actor and the receiver feeling less anxious and lonely. Kindness can induce positive emotions such as elevation and happiness, which, in turn, may lead to more kind behavior. Enacting kind behaviors increases happiness regardless of whether the kindness is directed toward strong social ties, weak ties, the self, or even just witnessed. Kind behavior in interpersonal contexts creates a positive climate in groups and organizations.

Scientists are increasingly interested in how kindness may impact physical health by modulating physiological processes. As a highly social species, humans depend on communication, cooperation, and connection to serve basic needs. Experiencing the positive social connection that results from kindness may trigger basic reward-related mechanisms that inhibit threat-related physical responses. Behaviors that signal that one is valued, connected, and cared for communicate safety and buffer stress leading to more positive health and well-being outcomes. The effects of kindness on inflammation, immunity, and overall mortality are well-studied and support the importance of promoting kind behavior throughout organizations and communities. An environment where kindness is abundant is non-threatening and builds trust and opportunities for mutual social support. Reduced stress brings better physical and mental health, including higher happiness levels. Healthy and happy people are more motivated to engage in kind behaviors, thus completing a virtuous cycle.