Reference: Wahl, O., Rothman, J., Brister, T eri ., & Thompson, C. (2019). Changing student attitudes about mental health conditions: NAMI ending the silence. Stigma and Health , 4 (2), 188 – 195. https://doi - org.portal.lib.fit.edu/10.1037/sah0000135 Wouldn’t Humanity be better off if we all helped and cared for each other ? F eeling secure in relationships helps people become more open - minded and empathetic . Attachment theory research shows feeling secure makes people value selflessness and tolerate others who are different from them. People w ho feel secure in their attachments often volunteer to help others for unselfish reasons leading to their own positive feelings and satisfaction. U.S. and Israeli r esearchers. conducted five experiments on 180 undergraduate students in Israel and US , test ing which techniques can increase feelings of security. Participants rated their feelings in close relationships and on measures of attachment style, self - esteem, and neuroticism plus their compassion and willing ness to help others . Results ? F or both US and Israeli participants, p eople f eeling a sense of security were more compassionate and helpful. However, anxiety and avoidance attachment negatively affect ed their compassion, personal distress, and altruistic behavior. Overall, attachment sec urity support ed caring feelings and behaviors, while insecurity interfere d with their compassionate caregiving. Encourage others helping, by making them feel secure. Volunteer in actions that help others. Focus on the needs of loved ones and work toward building relationships that make you and others feel secure!

Written by Kristin M . Harris, Ph.D.