Altruism

This reflects the fact they are more prone to identify with all of humanity.

• By Tom Jacobs

Research shows the act of re-gifting bothers the re-gifter more than it does anyone else.

• By Kate Wheeling

New research finds people on different ends of the economic spectrum find happiness in different ways.

• By Tom Jacobs

Kids relate better to stories with human characters.

• By Tom Jacobs

British researchers find a strong link between cultural engagement and participating in activities that benefit the community.

• By Tom Jacobs

New research suggests we will forgo benefits to help others, but are much less willing to suffer harm.

• By Tom Jacobs

B Lab markets their do-gooder stamp of approval as a sign of global citizenship and transparency. In fact, it's a half-measure signifying nothing.

• By Rick Paulas

New research shows touching money instills a market-oriented state of mind, even in kids too young to really understand currency.

• By Tom Jacobs

In a new study, altruism trumps good looks, although the combination of both is the most desirable of all.

• By Tom Jacobs

A study finds children raised in religious households are less altruistic than those raised in non-religious families.

• By Tom Jacobs

Altruism has stumped researchers for years, but a new study finds that it may be as simple as choosing to be generous.

• By Nathan Collins

A new theory detailing why people engage in racist and spiteful behavior highlights how we act most altruistically toward those similar to ourselves. At a time when racial discrimination at the hands of law enforcement is so prevalent, could understanding the scientific underpinnings of such feelings prevent similar conduct in the future?

• By Charlotte Lytton

Research suggests feelings of veneration and wonder can induce humility and concern for others.

• By Tom Jacobs

A new study finds thoughts of our mortality can make us more generous.

• By Tom Jacobs

Our current system is failing dramatically because altruism isn’t a sufficiently motivating force to give up an organ. We need to test incentives, to reward people who are willing to save the life of a stranger through donation.

• By Sally Satel

Research shows that philanthropy is a valuable strategy when big companies like HSBC get into trouble.

• By Wes Judd

New research finds consumers like products more if the companies that produced them are perceived as morally good.

• By Tom Jacobs

German researchers find singles who spend their free time helping friends or neighbors are more likely to be in a relationship one year later.

• By Tom Jacobs

New research from France finds strangers are more helpful if they’ve just strolled through a natural environment.

• By Tom Jacobs

Why we could all use a little more self-examination.

• By Casey N. Cep

But new research suggests it only occurs when people reflect upon what they’ve been watching.

• By Tom Jacobs

Whether they are creating jobs or cooperation, new research backs up a positive role for the well-off—up to a point.

• By Michael Todd

New research suggests training designed to increase feelings of compassion can lead to more altruistic behavior.

• By Tom Jacobs

New research finds people who flew in virtual reality were more eager to help later.

• By Tom Jacobs