Altruism and Health Perspectives from Empirical Research

by Post, Stephen G.

• ISBN13: 9780195182910
• ISBN10: 019518291X
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2007-04-12
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

We're all quite familiar with the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, who was miserable in his selfishness, but later became happy when he began helping others. Ebenezer's story is compelling, but is it true that helping others is good for the giver? Although numerous studies have demonstrated thatpeople experience health benefits when treated kindly and compassionately, do those who provide love to others also experience health benefits? In other words, is it at least as good to give as to receive? Does virtue actually have its own rewards? To answer these questions, Altruism and Health brings research in biology, psychiatry, psychology, gerontology, epidemiology, and public health. Much of this research shows that unselfish individuals will find life to be more meaningful, will usually be happier than their selfish counterparts, andwill often experience better mental health. Some of this research also finds that unselfish individuals have reduced mortality rates and better physical health. Evolutionary and biological models help to explain these results by elucidating why a person who gives generously to others might live amore functional, happier, and healthier life. There is, however, an obvious caveat: those who allow themselves to be overwhelmed by caregiving will often suffer from the stressful burden of care. These findings challenge the shibboleth that being altruistic has either negative consequences or nobenefits. This volume presents the first unified, empirical argument that an individual can live a generous life, without concern for reciprocity or reputational gain, and as a by-product, discover deeper relationships, happiness, health, and even longevity. In doing so, it raises the mostessential and perennial questions of moral psychology and the good life.

Author Biography

Stephen G. Post is a professor in the Department of Bioethics at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. President of the Institute for Research on Unlimited Love, he has studied altruism and unselfish love for three decades at the interface of science, philosophy, and world religions.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Research on Volunteering and Health

Introduction

Does Volunteering Foster Physical Health and Longevity?

Sc.D.: Altruism and Subjective Well-Being: Conceptual Model and Empirical Support

Do Generative Adolescents Become Healthy Older Adults?

Altruism, Well-Being and Mental Health in Late Life

Altruism and Health in HIV

Self-Initiated Volunteering and Mental Health

Altruism and Health: Is There a Link During Adolescence?

Rx: Volunteer A Prescription for Healthy Aging

The Contribution of Altruistic Emotions to Health. Introduction.

The Biology of Positive Emotions and Health

Integrating Positive Psychology into Epidemiologic Theory: Reflections on Love, Salutogenesis, and Determinants of Population Health

Generativity A Form of Unconditional Love

The Role of Love, Attachment, and Altruism in Adjustment to Military Trauma

Helping Behavior and Longevity: An Emotion Model

Forgiveness and Health: A Review and Theoretical Exploration of Emotion Pathways

Befriending Mans Best Friends: Does Altruism Toward Animals Promote Psychological and Physical Health?

Evolutionary models of Altruism and Health. Introduction.

Close Relationships and Health Through the Lens of Selective Investment Theory

Health and the Ecology of Altruism

A Short History of Altruism and Health

Altruistic Love, Resiliency and Health and the Role of Medicine

Monagamy, Love, and Benevolence: Lessons from Prairie Voles

Introduction

Volunteerism, Religiousness, Spirituality, and the Health Outcomes of Older Adults

Altruism, Religion, and Health: Exploring the Ways in Which Helping Others Benefits Support Providers

Altruistic Love and Physical Health

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