Geographical differences in subjective well-being predict extraordinary altruism
Kristin M Brethel-Haurwitz1, Abigail A Marsh
1Georgetown University.
Psychological Science
|January 31, 2014
Summary
Higher subjective well-being in a region is linked to more altruistic kidney donations. Societal factors boosting well-being may encourage extraordinary altruism.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Transplantation Medicine
Background:
- Altruistic kidney donation is a rare act of extraordinary altruism with unclear origins.
- Prosocial behaviors are influenced by well-being, but its link to altruistic kidney donation is not established.
- Geographical variations in well-being and altruistic kidney donation exist in the US.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if geographical variations in well-being predict altruistic kidney donation rates in the US.
- To explore the relationship between subjective well-being and altruistic kidney donation.
- To understand if societal factors influencing well-being can promote extraordinary altruism.
Main Methods:
- Calculated per capita rates of altruistic kidney donation across US states.
- Developed a composite index of subjective well-being.
- Employed statistical analyses controlling for sociodemographic variables.
Main Results:
- A higher subjective well-being index significantly predicted higher rates of altruistic kidney donation.
- This association remained significant at state and regional levels after controlling for sociodemographic factors.
- Subjective well-being mediated the link between objective well-being indicators (e.g., income) and altruism.
Conclusions:
- Geographical variations in subjective well-being are associated with the prevalence of altruistic kidney donation.
- Societal factors that enhance subjective well-being may foster extraordinary altruism.
- Understanding well-being's role can inform strategies to increase living kidney donation.
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