Is Virtue Good for You?

Does virtue benefit its possessor, or is it beneficial for others but not the self? We tested two highly influential theories that offer contradictory answers. In particular, we focused on three "hard cases" for the theory that virtue promotes well-being-that is, three virtues that aren't obviously enjoyable (compassion, patience, and self-control).

Two preregistered studies (total N = 43,164 observations; N = 1218 participants) tested for within- and between-person associations between each virtue and well-being. Study 1 used experience sampling with adolescents. Study 2 used the day reconstruction method with United States adults.

Study 1 found positive links across the board. Study 2 found positive within- and between-person links with eudaimonic well-being, but more complex associations with affective well-being. Study 2 also revealed that situations that afford opportunities to exercise these virtues are challenging and unpleasant. However, exercising compassion, patience, and self-control seems to help people cope with these challenges.

These findings contradict the theory that virtue is good for others but not for the self, aligning with the theory that being good leads to being well. They also provide preliminary evidence about how virtues like compassion, patience, and self-control might benefit their possessors.