“Epoch Times, December 15, 2025” (Reporter Chen Juncun)
The saying goes, “Helping others is the foundation of happiness.” Recently, a study has found that people who treat others well also benefit psychologically, socially, and emotionally, experiencing a significant increase in their sense of happiness.
The University of Mannheim in Germany, in a press release on December 9, pointed out that research conducted by psychologists at the university shows that individuals who are kind to others often feel more at ease themselves.
In this study, researchers analyzed data from over forty independent studies. The results indicate that individuals who are able to empathize with others, support them, or want to help them tend to have higher overall life satisfaction, experience more happiness, and perceive more meaning in their lives. On average, these individuals also have better mental health.
From a scientific standpoint, kindness is defined as an ability: the ability to perceive others’ suffering, have an emotional response to it, and be motivated to alleviate that suffering. For example, providing practical assistance to others in need or offering comfort in daily life.
Notably, regardless of age, gender, or religious beliefs, there is a connection between kindness and personal sense of happiness. This suggests a fundamental link that has similar effects across different populations.
However, researchers also note that further well-controlled long-term studies are needed to understand the exact mechanisms at play.
The lead author of the study, Majlinda Zhuniq, summarizes, “Because personal happiness contributes to longevity, maintaining health, and enhancing social functioning, promoting kindness towards others appears to be a promising psychological and public health intervention method.”
If we can successfully promote kindness through education, social programs, or other initiatives, it can not only improve individual quality of life but also enhance societal interactions. Possible solutions include school curricula, adult education programs, or digital training courses to cultivate kindness in daily life.
In a smaller-scale study, the research team also explored how targeted kindness training, such as certain forms of meditation, affects happiness. The results of these studies also showed an increase in happiness, indicating that practicing kindness can actively promote individual happiness.
The above research findings were published in the journal “Scientific Reports.”
Earlier reports by Epoch Times mentioned that Robert Puff, a best-selling author and clinical psychologist in the United States, wrote on Psychology Today’s website that a kind heart is the true source of happiness. Maintaining kindness can lead to personal happiness.
He said, “Through kindness, our hearts become brighter and more compassionate. Happiness is no longer an elusive reward we chase, but becomes a consistent warm companion, a trusted old friend accompanying us through every day.”