Praise Is Reciprocated With Tangible Benefits

doi:10.1177/1948550611417016

Paper

Praise Is Reciprocated With Tangible Benefits

Published Mar 1, 2012 · Asami Matsumura, Y. Ohtsubo

Social Psychological and Personality Science

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Abstract

A recent study in the field of neuroscience showed that a class of symbolic resources (praise) activated the brain’s reward circuitry, which was similarly activated by monetary resources. This result implies that the two distinct classes of resources are mutually exchangeable. The present experiment addressed this possibility by comparing four conditions. Participants in the praise condition received a positive evaluation and decided how much money they would give to the evaluator, while participants in the no praise condition did not receive any evaluation. To distinguish the effect of praise from positive mood effect, participants in the positive mood condition decided how much money they would give to someone other than the evaluator. To explore the differential effects of praise and flattery, participants in the flattery condition were led to suspect the intention of the evaluator. Participants in the praise condition behaved more generously than those in the other three conditions.

Non-RCT

Study Snapshot

Key takeawayPraise activates the brain's reward circuitry, leading to more generous behavior towards the evaluator, while no praise and positive mood effects do not.

PopulationOlder adults (50-71 years)

Sample size24

MethodsObservational

OutcomesBody Mass Index projections

ResultsSocial networks mitigate obesity in older groups.

Praise Is Reciprocated With Tangible Benefits

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