Gifting is a tap which enables people to connect to each other. Gift exchange is a major part of celebrating the holidays or occasions, but did you know the whole act of gift-giving can offer psychological benefits? Giving a gift is a universal way to show interest, appreciation, gratitude, love and affection as well as strengthen bonds with others.
When we give without expecting anything in return, we are improving our psychological health. Better to give than to receive, gift-giving is also an act of altruism — it is a psychological term meaning unselfish concern for the well-being of others.
There is an enormous sense of satisfaction when seeing the expression on the face of someone you’ve given a gift to. A way to express feelings, giving reinforces appreciation and acknowledgement of each other. The feelings expressed mainly depend on the relationship between giver and recipient.
Gift-giving is also a way for the giver to reduce guilt. “That really comes into play when you have people giving from afar,” says Devin A. Byrd, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of the Department of Behavioral Sciences at South University.
“Now, it is a lot easier to order a gift online and send it. It can be a replacement for not being there with the person. They gain satisfaction when they find the right gift and that brings emotional happiness.”
The expectation of reciprocity often comes with gift-giving, Byrd says.
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