What is the name of the phenomenon where being in a good mood increases the likelihood of helping others?

• A. Feel-good, do-good phenomenon
• B. Bystander effect
• C. Social loafing
• D. Instrumental aggression

Answer: (A)

Feeling good makes people more likely to help others. When you’re in a positive mood, you’re more inclined to engage in prosocial actions because the pleasant state motivates you to maintain and spread that good feeling. This idea is captured by the feel-good, do-good phenomenon: happiness increases helping behavior. The explanation fits with how positive emotions broaden our thinking and broaden our attention to others, making it easier to notice someone in need and choose to assist. It also aligns with the notion that helping can reinforce the good mood you’re already in.

This isn’t describing the bystander effect, which is about more witnesses reducing the chance of help, nor is it about people slacking off in a group (social loafing) or about using aggression to reach a goal (instrumental aggression).