The holidays are here, which means you’re probably thinking about gifts—what to buy, who to give it to, and how much to spend. Gift-giving is often seen as a source of stress and obligation, but a growing body of research suggests that gift-giving itself may also have some benefits.
I’d like to know if science supports the idea that “giving is better than receiving” and if so, is there a measurable impact on health? Does it matter how you give, money versus time, big gestures versus small gestures? Will giving back be counterproductive?
I turned to CNN health expert Dr. Leana Wen for some good advice. Wen is an emergency physician and adjunct associate professor at George Washington University and a former health commissioner for the city of Baltimore. She’s already done her holiday shopping for family and friends.
CNN: Does science really support the idea that it’s better to give than to receive?
Dr. Wen Lina: Science does support this idea, but there are some key caveats. Research in psychology, neuroscience, and public health shows that prosocial behaviors such as giving time, money, or support to others are associated with happiness.
This does not mean that giving is always beneficial or that people should give at the expense of their own needs. But overall, the evidence shows that generosity has benefits for both emotional and physical health.
CNN: What health benefits have researchers found?
arts: Numerous studies link giving and helping behaviors to better mental health, including lower rates of depression and anxiety and greater life satisfaction. Surprisingly, these effects extend beyond mental health: Researchers found links between prosocial behavior and lower stress hormones, reduced inflammation, better cardiovascular outcomes, and longer life.
Notably, a large 2023 JAMA Network Open review looked at 30 studies involving prosocial interventions, including acts of kindness, charitable giving, community volunteering, and helping behaviors. Researchers found improved mental health, lower depression scores, improved physical activity and even blood test results
Giving time and effort, such as volunteering at a food bank, often produces greater good than donating money alone. – Drazen Zigic/iStockphoto/Getty Images
CNN: How does donation affect the brain and body?
arts: Giving activates reward pathways in areas of the brain associated with pleasure, motivation, and social connection. These behaviors trigger the release of chemicals like dopamine and endorphins, which are associated with positive emotions.
Another key hormone is oxytocin, which plays a role in stress regulation. Oxytocin can lower blood pressure, reduce stress responses, and promote feelings of social connection. Repeated activation of these pathways over time may help explain why generosity is associated with better health, especially in conditions affected by chronic stress, such as depression and heart disease.
CNN: Is this just a correlation, or is there evidence that donating actually does lead to these benefits?
arts: This is an important distinction. Some early studies were observational, meaning it’s possible that healthier or happier people were more likely to give. But more recent studies include experimental designs that strengthen causal relationships.
For example, a randomized trial asks participants to perform an act of kindness or generosity and compares it to a control activity. These studies show short-term reductions in stress hormones such as cortisol and improvements in mood and emotional well-being. While proving long-term causation is difficult, the consistency of experimental, biological and population-level data provides strong evidence that giving itself plays a role.
CNN: Does it matter how people give, whether it’s money, time, a small gift or an expensive gift?
arts: Yes, the type and context of the donation matters. Research shows that voluntary, meaningful giving is more beneficial than obligatory or pressured giving. Giving time and energy, such as volunteering or helping someone directly, often produces greater good than donating money alone.
Meaning is also important. Donations that align with personal values or strengthen social connections may be more beneficial than donations that are impersonal or transactional. All of this means that small acts, like writing a thoughtful note, helping a neighbor, or spending time with someone who is lonely, can have a meaningful impact.
CNN: Can giving hurt?
arts: Absolutely. Giving is not universally beneficial. When donating leads to financial strain, exhaustion, resentment, or neglect of your own health, the benefits disappear and may even be reversed. Nursing burnout is a clear example. People who give extensively without adequate support tend to experience worse physical and mental health.
The key is balance. Ideally, donations should be voluntary. People should not feel pressured to do more than they can or can do, especially during the holidays when expectations can be high.
People may consider gifts that foster connection or shared experiences rather than focusing on cost or quantity. -mapodile/E+/Getty Images
CNN: Who benefits most from donations?
arts: The benefits have been observed across all age groups, but some groups appear to gain particular advantages. Older adults who volunteer generally show better physical functioning and a lower risk of death. People who feel socially isolated may also benefit greatly, as donations can strengthen social connections and provide a sense of purpose.
There is growing evidence that adolescents and young adults benefit from prosocial behavior and experience improved mental health. Researchers are studying whether structured kindness or volunteering programs can support health across the lifespan.
CNN: How should people think about gift-giving during the holidays?
arts: The holidays can be a good time to rethink the meaning of giving. People may consider gifts that foster connection or shared experiences rather than focusing on cost or quantity. Time, attention and consideration are more important than price.
Setting boundaries is also important. Giving should not come with guilt or pressure. Choosing to give in ways that feel meaningful and choosing to let go of expectations that can cause stress align with science’s recommendations for healthy generosity.
CNN: What’s the takeaway from this holiday season?
arts: Donating is good for your health, but only if it’s well thought out and done within your means. Science supports the idea that generosity can reduce stress, strengthen social bonds, and improve physical and mental health. The holidays provide an opportunity to practice generosity in ways that are healthy, sustainable, meaningful, and connected to what matters most.
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