The season of giving is right around the corner, and there are infinite ways to express gratitude and things to appreciate. Writing daily reflections, thanking those around you and giving to others are common ways people express gratitude daily. But why do people continue to express gratitude if not for immediate gratification?
Giving is human nature, in fact, as a species, people are inclined to think about and support those around them. Though humans are both inherently generous and selfish, these qualities aid in people’s communicable understanding of generosity and cooperation.
Not only is generosity and gratitude in human nature, it also helps people live better and healthier lives. The physical benefits of generosity are reflected in the heart and lower blood pressure. According to the Cleveland Clinic, these benefits are comparable to sticking with a balanced diet and exercise.
Appreciating all one is grateful for can also lead to a mentally happier and more optimistic life. Gratitude is a positive emotion and overrides feelings of suffering. By frequently expressing gratitude for others, people can “train the brain to be more aware of and responsive to gratitude, which could help improve mental health over time,” according to the University of Miami.
Research also shows that physical gift-giving makes for a more fulfilled and happier livelihood. Gifting is a form of generosity and recognition of others, so it shares many of the same effects as gratitude.
Other than gift-giving, there are other ways to express gratitude. Harvard Health Publishing lists ways to “cultivate gratitude” as writing a thank-you note, thanking someone mentally, keeping a gratitude journal, counting your blessings, praying and meditating.
Although expressing generosity is a shared behavior by all humans, some individuals are put into the spotlight for their giving behaviors. Celebrities will often participate in charity events while sharing their good graces online for their audiences.
Fortunately, by sharing their charitable donations with the public, celebrity endorsements can increase the rate at which the general public donates to certain brands according to Rutgers. Typically, brands that receive endorsements from well-known figures — notably athletes, movie stars and newscasters — are viewed as more credible by the public.
Celebrities who donate to political campaigns also impact public perception of political candidates. Endorsements by credible celebrities increase their audiences' positive perception of the political candidate.
“Since the positive attitudes toward charitable giving by entertainment celebrities produce a more credible image, it stands to reason that candidates and campaign managers can take advantage of the halo effect caused by a celebrity's heightened credibility and more altruistic image,” one study by Sungwook Hwang said.
This also has implications for why celebrities donate in the public eye. Studies have found that the perceivable benefits of giving can go both ways and that celebrities who donate see an increase in positive public perception.
Though there may be underlying reasons celebrities donate or give back, the impact of their actions cannot be denied. During Thanksgiving, many famous people return to their hometowns and serve free food to their local community. Others, such as Micheal Jordan, donate millions to food banks.
Expressing gratitude and generosity to others goes both ways, benefiting both yourself and the person the action is directed towards. Celebrity endorsements may increase public perception and inclusion in acts of generosity, but the genuine positive impact remains.
During the season of giving, participating in acts of giving and expressing gratitude not only fulfills human nature but benefits people on the inside and out.
