Kindness [generosity, nurturance, care, compassion, altruistic love, “niceness”]: Doing favors and good deeds for others; helping them; taking care of them. Personified for example by Cicely Saunders  (Source: VIA Institute on Character)

The Noel Strengths Academy defines it this way:

• Intentional in doing favors and good deeds for others
• Likes being helpful
• Appreciates being able to offer tangible care
• Generous
• Acts of compassion for those in need
• A pleasure to be around
• Nurturing

• Underuse: Indifference
• Overuse: Intrusiveness

Key Research:

• Rank order of Kindness in populations from:
  • US : 3;
  • European:  4
  • Asia: 5
  • Latin America: 5
  • Sub-Saharan Africa: 2
  • Middle east: 3
• In a study of character strengths and adolescent peer relationships, the strengths deemed most desirable/important in a friend were honesty, humor, kindness, and fairness, and those most connected with higher peer acceptance were perspective, love, kindness, social intelligence, teamwork, leadership, and humor (Wagner, 2018).
• Among high school students, other-oriented strengths (e.g., kindness, teamwork) predicted fewer depression symptoms while transcendence strengths (e.g., spirituality) predicted greater life satisfaction (Gillham et al., 2011).
• The most prevalent character strengths in very young children are love, kindness, creativity, curiosity, and humor (Park & Peterson, 2006a).
• In a study of character strengths and adolescent peer relationships, the strengths deemed most desirable/important in a friend were honesty, humor, kindness, and fairness, and those most connected with higher peer acceptance were perspective, love, kindness, social intelligence, teamwork, leadership, and humor (Wagner, 2018).

Psychological Impact of Kindness

1. Kindness is a key predictor of well-being: Research has shown that individuals with high levels of Kindness tend to experience higher levels of well-being, life satisfaction, and happiness (Peterson & Seligman, 2004).
2. Kindness is linked to social connections: Kindness is associated with stronger social connections and a greater sense of belonging (Lyubomirsky et al., 2005). People who are kind are more likely to have close relationships and a strong social support network.
3. Kindness is a key component of emotional intelligence: Kindness is one of the key components of emotional intelligence, which is essential for effective relationships and personal growth (Goleman, 1995).
4. Kindness is associated with prosocial behavior: Kindness is linked to prosocial behavior, such as volunteering, donating to charity, and helping others in need (Lyubomirsky et al., 2005).
5. Kindness is a key strength for individuals with mental health conditions: Research has shown that Kindness is a key strength for individuals with mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety (Seligman et al., 2005).
6. Kindness is linked to physical health: Kindness has been linked to better physical health, including lower blood pressure, healthier weight, and a stronger immune system (Lyubomirsky et al., 2005).
7. Kindness is a key strength for individuals in leadership positions: Kindness is an essential strength for leaders, as it helps build trust, foster collaboration, and promote a positive work environment (Goleman, 1995).
8. Kindness is associated with gratitude: Kindness is linked to gratitude, which is a key component of well-being (Emmons & McCullough, 2003).
9. Kindness is a key strength for individuals in relationships: Kindness is essential for building and maintaining healthy relationships, including romantic relationships, friendships, and family relationships (Lyubomirsky et al., 2005).
10. Kindness can be developed and strengthened: Research has shown that Kindness can be developed and strengthened through practice, such as engaging in acts of kindness, volunteering, and practicing empathy (Seligman et al., 2005).

Tayyab Rashid and Afroze Anjum offer 340 Ways to Use VIA Character Strengths including these four for Kindness:

1. Do three random acts of kindness per week for those whom you know. Consider doing small favors for friends and neighbors, calling sick or sad friends, getting groceries for a friend busy in exams, cooking a meal for an elderly relative, or baby-sitting.
2. Do one random act of kindness weekly for someone you don’t know. Consider letting someone ahead of you in line, putting money in a meter than has run out, or letting another customer take the last item on a shelf.
3. Say kinder and softer words to people when interacting through email, writing letters, talking on phone. Be aware that communication over distance requires different types of gentleness than face-to-face communication.
4. Donate your time to others through helpful actions.Find a local volunteer organization, start a project of your own, or simply find time to do random acts of kindness for others.

Quotations on Kindness