Charitable people 'tend to be happier'

SMU Behavioural Sciences Institute Director Professor David Chan was the consultant for the national survey on giving and subjective well-being conducted by the National Volunteerism and Philanthropy Centre. The study found a strong link between giving and subjective well-being. People who give, through either volunteering or donating, are more likely to be satisfied and happy with their lives compared to those who do not give. This is true even after controlling for income status. Professor Chan noted that the findings in Singapore are consistent with those found in research elsewhere and he explained how giving and subjective well-being can influence each other and lead to positive spirals for recipients, givers and society as a whole.