Providing help and desired relationship type as determinants of changes in moods and self-evaluations.
Observed in 2 initial studies was converging evidence that helping improves the helpers' moods and self-evaluations. In these studies Ss induced to help showed improved moods and self-evaluations relative to Ss not given an opportunity to help. A 3rd study examined the moderating effects of desired relationship type on reactions to having helped. In this study Ss were led to desire either a communal or an exchange relationship with another. They then helped the other or were not allowed to help. Among Ss led to desire a communal relationship, but not among those led to desire an exchange relationship, helping was associated with greater improvements in moods than not helping. Helping tended to improve self-evaluations regardless of desired relationship type. However, this effect reached statistical significance only among subjects led to desire a communal relationship.
Williamson
G M
GM
Department of Psychology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213-3890.
Clark
M S
MS
D000293:Adolescent; D000339:Affect; D006379:Helping Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012649:Self Concept