New op-ed by Dr. Marsh in the New York Times

In July, I published an op-ed in the New York Times on the relationship between well-being, altruism, and the cultural value of individualism. This op-ed describes the results of our recent research showing that around the world, 7 forms of altruism are more prevalent in areas with high levels of subjective well-being (thriving), even after controlling for differences in wealth, health, and education. This may be in part due to the fact that high well-being is associated with higher levels of individualism. This is an important reminder that individualism should not be confused with selfishness. Instead, individualism may help free people to pursue goals that they find meaningful–including altruism. Individualism may also promote a more universalist outlook that emphasizes individual rights and welfare, and reduces the emphasis on groups—and the differences between “us” and “them” that notoriously erode generosity toward socially distant others.