David Cregg, PhD graduate,
and Jennifer Cheavens, professor of psychology, published the study recently in The Journal of Positive Psychology.
They were split into three groups. The first group was instructed to plan social activities for two days a week.
The second group focused on “cognitive reappraisal,” recording negative thought patterns and learning how to revise their thoughts.
The third group was instructed to perform three acts of kindness per day twice a week.
David Cregg
PhD graduate in psychology
The Ohio State University
Their acts of kindness included baking cookies for friends, offering rides, and leaving sticky notes for roommates with words of encouragement.
All groups showed improvement after 10 weeks, but those who had performed acts of kindness saw a larger reduction in their depression and anxiety symptoms.
Jennifer Cheavens
Professor of psychology
The Ohio State University