Why are we kinder and more helpful to some people than to others? Researchers aimed to understand whether emphasizing a sense of relatedness could encourage people to take more helpful, considerate actions. They studied almost 300 university students in a series of experiments to explore how highlighting relationships with others influenced their willingness to assist others. Results? Experiment 1 found that when participants were alerted to their connection with others they had higher interest in volunteering and intentions to volunteer. Experiment 2 showed that writing about relatedness experiences promoted feelings of connectedness to others, leading to greater prosocial intentions. Experiment 3 revealed that relatedness task participants donated significantly more money to charity than neutral task participants. We, humans, have an innate need to belong. By highlighting the common ground we share with others, we can encourage a sense of unity and empathy, leading to more acts of kindness and support. Let’s look beyond our differences! We have more in common than we think! The next time you find yourself in a situation where you can lend a helping hand, remember that nurturing our connections can make a positive impact on the world around us as well as ourselves! Reference: Pavey, L., Greitemeyer, T., & Sparks, P. (2011). Highlighting Relatedness Promotes Prosocial Motives and Behavior. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 37(7), 905–917. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167211405994

Written by Jarret Bain B.S.