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Positive Psychology as Social Change pp 219–234Cite as

Investing in Others: Prosocial Spending for (Pro)Social Change

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Abstract

In this chapter we explore whether prosocial spending – spending money on others – can have postive outcomes for spenders, recipients, and the broader community. We begin by briefly summarizing the literature on the relationship between money and happiness. Next, we review our research on the benefits of prosocial spending for happiness, along with other components of well–being. we present our findings at four levels, starting first with the consequences of prosocial spending for individuls, and then extending this discussion outward to dyads, and organizations. Finally, we offer several practical strategies for utilizing the lessons our research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada

    Lara B. Aknin, Gillian M. Sandstrom & Elizabeth W. Dunn

  2. Harvard Business School, Boston, MA, USA

    Michael I. Norton

Authors
  1. Lara B. Aknin
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  2. Gillian M. Sandstrom
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  3. Elizabeth W. Dunn
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  4. Michael I. Norton
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Elizabeth W. Dunn .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. SE. Aldercrest Rd. 4625, Milwuakie, 97222, Oregon, USA

    Robert Biswas-Diener

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Aknin, L.B., Sandstrom, G.M., Dunn, E.W., Norton, M.I. (2011). Investing in Others: Prosocial Spending for (Pro)Social Change. In: Biswas-Diener, R. (eds) Positive Psychology as Social Change. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-9938-9_13

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