The Science of Niceness: Why Being Kind Makes You Happier (and Less of a Grump)
Thursday, February 6, 2025.
Ever wondered why some people seem to radiate joy while others walk around looking like they’ve just bitten into a lemon?
Science may have cracked the code, and it turns out, it all comes down to one simple trait: niceness.
Yes, that old-fashioned virtue your grandma swore by is more than just good manners—it’s a distinct psychological trait, and according to research, it’s strongly linked to happiness.
So if you’re looking for an easy mood booster (that doesn’t require expensive supplements or hours of meditation), start by being a little nicer.
The Turkish Study That Suggests Nice Guys (and Gals) Win
A fascinating study out of Turkey, published in Psychological Reports, provides compelling evidence that niceness is a standalone psychological trait.
Researchers found that people who scored high in niceness were not only less likely to experience depressive symptoms but were also significantly happier. In other words, kindness isn’t just good for your social life—it’s a mental health hack!
In the study, led by Sinan Okur and colleagues, two groups of Turkish adults completed assessments measuring niceness, personality traits, depression, and happiness.
The results confirmed that niceness is its own thing—it’s not just an extension of being agreeable or extroverted. Even better? The nicer you are, the happier you tend to be.
Why Being Nice Feels So Good
Niceness falls under the umbrella of prosocial behavior—a fancy term for all the things we do to make the world a better place, like sharing, helping, comforting, and cooperating. Evolutionary psychologists suggest that prosocial behaviors helped our ancestors survive.
After all, a tribe that worked together had a much better shot at not being eaten by saber-toothed tigers.
Fast-forward to modern times, and niceness is still working its magic.
Studies have shown that acts of kindness trigger the release of feel-good chemicals like oxytocin (aka the “love hormone”) and serotonin (the neurotransmitter associated with well-being). So when you hold the door open for someone or give a sincere compliment, your brain rewards you with a mini happiness boost.
What Does Niceness Actually Look Like?
Contrary to popular belief, being nice doesn’t mean being a doormat or agreeing with everyone. True niceness is about treating others with warmth and respect without expecting anything in return. Examples include:
Offering a genuine smile (not the awkward, forced kind).
Speaking with a kind, warm tone of voice.
Expressing sincere gratitude (because “thanks” never goes out of style).
Using polite language (turns out, “please” and “thank you” still work wonders).
Offering help without making a big show of it.
And here’s the kicker: niceness is contagious. When you’re kind to someone, they’re more likely to pass it on, creating a ripple effect of goodwill.
Can You Train Yourself to Be Nicer?
Absolutely! Just like going to the gym strengthens your muscles, practicing kindness strengthens your “niceness muscle.” Here are a few simple ways to cultivate more kindness in your daily life:
Start small. Compliment a coworker’s effort, hold the door open, or send a kind text to a friend.
Reframe your thoughts. Instead of assuming the barista is being slow on purpose, consider that they might just be having a rough day.
Practice active listening. Giving someone your full attention is one of the kindest things you can do.
Be kind to yourself. Self-compassion increases our capacity to be kind to others.
Final Thoughts: Niceness Is a Happiness Superpower
At the end of the day, the research is clear: being nice isn’t just about making the world a better place—it’s also a direct route to personal happiness. And unlike expensive wellness fads, it’s free, requires zero effort beyond a shift in mindset, and pays dividends in joy.
So, if you’re looking for an instant mood boost, forget the self-help books and juice cleanses—just go out and be nice. Science says you’ll be happier for it.
be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.
REFERENCES:
Okur, S., Akyıl, Y., Deniz, M. E., & Satıcı, S. A. (2023). How does more niceness bring more happiness? The association between niceness, depression, and subjective happiness. Psychological Reports. https://doi.org/10.1177/00332941231158976
Lyubomirsky, S., Sheldon, K. M., & Schkade, D. (2005). Pursuing happiness: The architecture of sustainable change. Review of General Psychology, 9(2), 111-131. https://doi.org/10.1037/1089-2680.9.2.111
Dunn, E. W., Aknin, L. B., & Norton, M. I. (2008). Spending money on others promotes happiness. Science, 319(5870), 1687-1688. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1150952