They find a likely answer in self-determination theory, which states that вЂњhuman well-being depends upon the satisfaction of three basic needs: relatedness, competence, and autonomy.вЂќ Under the right circumstances, giving money can meet all three. So under what specific circumstances does this positive dynamic occur? The researchers concede that other evidence suggests giving to others does not automatically increase happiness. Aknin looked at data for 136 countries, and found вЂњa significant relationship between giving and happinessвЂќ in 120 of them, вЂњpoor and rich alike.вЂќ WhatвЂ™s more, this relationship does not seem to be exclusive to the U.S.

Toddlers just under the age of two вЂњexhibited more happinessвЂќ when they gave away goldfish crackers to a puppet character, compared to when they received the snacks themselves. They also point to a 2012 study, co-authored by Aknin, which found evidence that even young children feel happiness giving to others. вЂњThat evening, people who had been assigned to spend the money on someone else reported happier moods over the course of the day than did those people assigned to spend the money on themselves,вЂќ they report.

Spent money on others