science of kindness community collective

Engaging community to develop and implement a theory-based, empirically driven model for the collective practice of kindness.

The science is clear - kindness is vital for human health and well-being.

Kindness is communicated in interpersonal interactions, through organizational leadership, policies, practice, and even built environments. But as much as we want to be kind as individuals, organizations, and communities, we often struggle to communicate kindness consistently.

SciKind aims to contribute to the creation of a community of practice to increase kind behavior for the benefit of all.

Community of Practice

A group of people who share a concern or a passion for what they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly.

(Wenger, McDermott, & Snyder, 2002)

students laughing and smiling on UA main campus

Kindness plays a key role in human health and well-being, whether in our personal lives, schools, or workplaces. Experiencing kindness creates positive social connections, which are essential for human development, health, and longevity. In organizations, kindness benefits everyone involved—consumers, employees, and the organization itself. Consumers who experience kindness tend to have better outcomes, while employees in kind work environments are more satisfied and engaged in their jobs.

Despite the well-known benefits of kindness in personal relationships, organizations, schools, and communities, there is still a pressing need to increase kind behavior. Research highlights the importance of developing a model that implements theory-based, evidence-driven strategies to promote kindness effectively.

Why Kindness?

Kindness improves interactions and strengthens relationships. Research shows that it benefits the person who receives it, the one who shows it, and even those who witness it. Kind acts increase feelings of similarity, promote cooperation, and reduce anxiety and loneliness for both the giver and receiver. Kindness can also trigger positive emotions like happiness, which encourages more kindness. Whether directed toward close friends, strangers, oneself, or observed, kindness leads to greater happiness. In groups and organizations, it helps create a positive and supportive environment that fosters better teamwork, increased productivity, and higher job satisfaction.

Researchers are also studying how kindness affects physical health by influencing the body’s physiological responses. As a social species, humans rely on communication, cooperation, and connection to meet essential needs. Positive social interactions from kindness activate the brain’s reward system and reduce stress. Feeling valued, cared for, and connected creates a sense of safety, which lowers stress and improves health. Studies show that kindness reduces inflammation, boosts the immune system, and can contribute to longer life expectancy. In environments where kindness is common, people trust and support each other, reducing stress and improving both mental and physical well-being. Happier, healthier people are more likely to engage in kind behaviors, creating a positive cycle.

Resources

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SciKind Team

The SciKind Team is working closely with university faculty, staff, and students, and with community members and organizations, to develop and implement a theory-based and empirically informed model that will guide a community-wide effort to create a culture of kindness learning and practice.