Ancient people placed a high value on morality, considering it a benchmark for measuring a person’s goodness or badness. Despite the prevalent view in today’s society that “the world is declining, and people are not as virtuous as in the past,” there are still individuals who prioritize morality and strive to be good. Recent research has found that morally upright individuals tend to be happier and experience long-term feelings of contentment.
Professor Kevin Bennett, a social personality psychologist at Pennsylvania State University, highlighted in an article on Psychology Today that individuals perceived as morally upright often exhibit greater happiness and find more meaning in life. Bennett first shared the story of a moral dilemma faced by a female college student.
On the eve of her final exams, Daphne, a sophomore biology student, found herself wrestling with a challenging decision. At 11:47 p.m., she came across a leaked Google document containing answers to the next day’s exam in their class chat group. Despite the temptation to cheat, Daphne hesitated. Thoughts of her parents, the professor who knew her name, and the person she aspired to be flashed through her mind. In the end, she closed the browser tab, feeling physically drained as she went to bed – yet surprisingly at peace.
Daphne did not cheat, nor did she excel in her exam, but her quiet decision to uphold her moral integrity left her with a sense of well-being. This feeling wasn’t about winning a competition but rather resembled looking at oneself in a mirror and liking what was reflected back.
Bennett raised the question of whether such morally challenging decisions – difficult, unseen, and often unrewarded – truly contribute to long-term happiness. According to the latest research by psychologists, the answer is affirmative. Moral individuals indeed tend to be happier. This correlation is not only linked to one’s conscience but also to character, interpersonal relationships, and psychological well-being.
In this study, moral standards were not self-assessed but rated by peers – friends, colleagues, and acquaintances – based on characteristics like honesty, fairness, kindness, and reliability. This reputation-based approach offers a practical examination of morality, focusing on how our daily actions impact others rather than self-perception alone.
Bennett explained that the research encompassed three different groups – American university students, Chinese professionals, and individuals identified as the most ethical (or unethical) within their social circles. Across all groups, those acknowledged as more moral rated higher in terms of subjective well-being and life meaning. Whether excelling in nursing studies or mid-career engineering roles, being a good person yields rewards that manifest not only abstractly but also in daily feelings.
Even after considering factors like religious beliefs, popularity, gender, and age, the positive relationship between moral behavior and favorable outcomes persists. Why did Daphne’s tough yet righteous decision result in her feeling better over the long term?
Bennett elucidated that morally upright individuals often have stronger interpersonal relationships, as trustworthiness and fairness create a sense of security among peers, with social connections being a significant driver of happiness. Furthermore, acting in line with your values reinforces your sense of self-identity, establishing coherence that fosters inner harmony and is closely linked to long-term well-being.
Maintaining moral standards may not always be pleasant. Ethical individuals often exhibit heightened sensitivity to suffering and injustice, being more prone to worrying about moral choices or facing intense opposition when standing up for justice. Nevertheless, data suggests that the benefits of deeper relationships, clearer goals, and a more upright character outweigh these challenges brought about by upholding morality. In Daphne’s case, rejecting cheating not only preserved her integrity but also safeguarded her self-respect.
In conclusion, Bennett emphasized that doing the right thing – even when unnoticed – can yield enduring psychological rewards. One doesn’t have to be a saint; displaying honesty, kindness, and courage in daily life can bring about lasting fulfillment.