Keep Nice and Carry on: Effect of Niceness on Well-Being

Abstract

Practicing acts of kindness is beneficial to one’s well-being, but is simply being nice to others also beneficial? In a correlational Study 1 (N = 497), self-reported behavioral niceness was positively correlated with happiness, self-satisfaction, relationships satisfaction, life meaning, and negatively correlated with depression. In two experimental studies, a one-day online intervention involving acting nicely (Study 2; N = 482) and recollecting one’s nice behavior (Study 3; N = 317) resulted in higher mood, self-satisfaction, relationships satisfaction, and life meaning. The present findings suggest that acting in a nice manner, that is, in a warm and friendly way, toward others in everyday situations can promote one’s well-being. Practicing niceness also promoted subsequent voluntary nice behavior.