Stuff You Should Know – Kindness: Do It

Intro

In this episode of “Stuff You Should Know,” the hosts explore the topic of kindness. They delve into the biological and psychological aspects of kindness, its benefits, and its impact on individuals and communities. From acts of kindness in animals to the role of empathy and compassion in human behavior, this episode uncovers the science behind kindness.

Main Takeaways

Acts of Kindness in Animals

• Animals display acts of kindness and altruism, suggesting it’s a biological imperative.
• Darwin believed that compassion and empathy are markers of a healthy community and a community that will survive in a fitter way.

The Benefits of Kindness

• Kindness has been shown to have numerous benefits, including reducing stress, increasing happiness, and improving physical health.
• Acts of kindness can be contagious and inspire others to be kind as well.

Kindness in Children

• Children may not be innately kind, but examples of kindness among children indicate that humans may be good people to begin with.
• Studies show that children feel happy when they give treats to puppets from their own stash.

Measuring Kindness

• Kindness can be measured through scales such as the Interpersonal Reactivity Index and the Inventory of Strengths.
• Researchers at the University of Huddersfield created a scale to measure different aspects of being kind and clustered them into three groups: benign tolerance, empathetic responsivity, and principle pro-action.

Socioeconomic Factors and Kindness

• People of middle to lower socioeconomic status tend to give more to charity than people higher up in the socioeconomic status, relatively speaking.
• Giving time can be just as charitable as giving money.

The Science of Kindness

• Kindness triggers a biochemical reward system in the body that creates a warm feeling and releases oxytocin, also known as the love hormone.
• Acts of kindness release oxytocin, which makes us feel good.

Relationships and Kindness

• Small acts of kindness can have a big impact on relationships, even if they are very small.
• Couples who give each other more acts of kindness than negative interactions have more successful and lasting marriages.

Compassion Fatigue and Self-Care

• Compassion fatigue can occur in industries where empathy and kindness are required, leading to mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and depression. Self-care is crucial.
• There are resources available online to help combat compassion fatigue.

Summary

Kindness: A Biological Imperative

Animals displaying acts of kindness and altruism suggest that kindness may be a biological imperative. Darwin believed that compassion and empathy are markers of a healthy community that will survive in a fitter way.

The Benefits of Kindness

Kindness has been shown to have numerous benefits, including reducing stress, increasing happiness, and improving physical health. Acts of kindness can be contagious and inspire others to be kind as well.

Kindness in Children

While children may not be innately kind, examples of kindness among children indicate that humans may have a natural inclination towards kindness. Studies show that children feel happy when they give treats to puppets from their own stash.

Measuring Kindness

Kindness can be measured through scales such as the Interpersonal Reactivity Index and the Inventory of Strengths. Researchers at the University of Huddersfield have created a scale that clusters different aspects of being kind into three groups: benign tolerance, empathetic responsivity, and principle pro-action.

Socioeconomic Factors and Kindness

People of middle to lower socioeconomic status tend to give more to charity than those higher up in the socioeconomic ladder. Giving time can be just as charitable as giving money, and teaching children to be charitable, even when struggling financially, can be a valuable lesson.

The Science of Kindness

Kindness triggers a biochemical reward system in the body, releasing oxytocin, also known as the love hormone. Acts of kindness make both the giver and receiver feel good. Witnessing an act of kindness can also have a similar effect.

Relationships and Kindness

Small acts of kindness can have a significant impact on relationships, even if they are seemingly insignificant. Couples who prioritize acts of kindness over negative interactions have more successful and lasting marriages.

Compassion Fatigue and Self-Care

Compassion fatigue can occur in industries where empathy and kindness are required, leading to mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and depression. Self-care is crucial in combating compassion fatigue, and there are resources available online to help individuals cope.

Conclusion

Kindness is a biological imperative that benefits both the giver and receiver. It has numerous physical and psychological benefits and plays a crucial role in building strong communities and relationships. By understanding the science behind kindness, we can cultivate a more compassionate and empathetic society.