According to a new study, “prosocial (亲社会的) spending” may be as good for your blood pressure as a healthy diet and exercise. The majority of us believe that the way to become happier and healthier is by spending money on ourselves. We put in extra hours at work and save up money to be able to buy the things that we believe will bring us happiness. But what if spending money on ourselves isn’t the best way to become happier?
Past research has shown that when we spend money on others, we actually experience greater well-being than if we were to spend that money on ourselves. Could something as simple as buying a friend dinner or donating to charity improve our health, too — and if so, how? According to a paper published this February in the journal Health Psychology, it can — and one way it works is by lowering blood pressure.
In an initial study, researchers looked at the relationship between giving money to others(or “prosocial spending”) and blood pressure, a simple measure of cardiovascular (心血管的) health. One hundred eighty-six adults with high blood pressure were asked to report how much money they spent on charities, and then followed up with two years later. By then, the participants who had originally spent the most on charities had lower blood pressure than participants who had spent less money. This association held even after accounting for the effects of income, education level, and age.
Why does prosocial spending have these benefits? One possibility is that it increases how socially connected we feel. Feeling closer to the people we help can improve our relationships with others, which have a large impact on our health.
When we give our money and time to others, research suggests, even giving small amounts of money can be beneficial, and we end up gaining something as a result: We experience increases in health and happiness. In particular, giving to others may help build up our relationships and develop resilience (适应力) in the face of stress.
8. What is most people’s view on how to get happier according to the text?
A.By working extra hours. | B.By spending money on themselves. |
C.By donating money to charities. | D.By keeping a healthy diet. |
9. What can we learn from paragraph 3?
A.Giving money to others can measure cardiovascular health. |
B.Prosocial spending reduces the negative health effects of stress. |
C.Happiness comes from leading a life full of purpose and meaning. |
D.The participants spending the most on charities had lower blood pressure. |
10. What may the researchers disagree with about the benefits of prosocial spending?
A.It leads to more promotion in career. |
B.It increases our health and happiness. |
C.It strengthens relationships with others. |
D.It develops resilience in the face of stress. |
11. What is the best title for the text?
A.How Can We Maximize the Health Benefits of Giving? |
B.The More Money We Spend on Others, the Happier and Healthier We Are |
C.Spending Money on Others Can Lower Your Blood Pressure |
D.Why Does Spending Money on Ourselves Make Us Much Healthier? |