The Times Australia
The Times World News

.

Having COVID-19 or being close to others who get it may make you more charitable

  • Written by Nancy R. Buchan, Associate Professor of International Business, University of South Carolina
Having COVID-19 or being close to others who get it may make you more charitable

The Research Brief[1] is a short take about interesting academic work.

The big idea

People who got COVID-19 or were directly affected by the disease, either by losing loved ones or having close friends or relatives become infected by the coronavirus, are more likely to give to a charity to support pandemic relief.

That was one of the main findings from an online study[2] we conducted[3] in May 2020 with[4] 932 adults living in the United States and replicated in June of that year with 723 adults who reside in Italy. Three other researchers worked on this experiment with us: Adriana C. Pinate[5], Giulia Urso[6] and Marilynn B. Brewer[7].

Our team told participants they would be paid US$3 to take a survey regarding their experiences and decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic. Afterwards, we gave them a $5 bonus and asked if they wanted to donate some or all of the bonus money to charities supporting COVID-19 relief in their state or region, their own country or around the world. Italians got the equivalent in euros for the base payment and bonus. We told participants we would match any amount donated.

We found that people in the U.S. who were more directly affected by COVID-19 pandemic were 9% more likely to donate than others. They also donated 9.2% more money. The results were similar in Italy.

About 63% of the U.S. and 77% of the Italian participants gave away at least some of this unexpected money. Overall, people taking part in the study gave away 35% of their bonus and kept 65% for themselves. Nearly 20% gave away their entire bonus.

It also turned out that people in both countries were more likely to select a charity in their own state or region, rather than a national or global one. This reflects something prior research has found: People prefer to support their own communities when they make charitable donations, particularly during pandemics[8].

Interestingly, those who selected a global charity gave more money.

Our findings also suggest that having COVID-19 or seeing its toll up close through friends and loved ones makes the reality of the pandemic more certain and the need for charity more obvious.

Why it matters

U.S. charitable giving rose 3.8% to a record $471 billion[9] in 2020. And most Americans found ways to express generosity[10] during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, whether by donating, volunteering, going out of their way to keep local businesses afloat or other means.

That growth in support reflects a common refrain[11] during the COVID-19 pandemic[12]: “We’re all in this together[13].” We wanted to learn what that catch phrase actually means. That is, who do people mean by “we”? Whom do they want to help?

We also wanted to see if that sentiment would affect altruism[14]: the tendency to act selflessly to help others.

[Research into coronavirus and other news from science Subscribe to The Conversation’s new science newsletter[15].]

In meeting any global challenge, it’s worth considering evidence that people tend to be most interested in causes that directly affect their own interests or help their local communities – even when crises are worldwide in nature.

We believe our findings may point to one reason why it has proven hard for governments to work together[16] in the fight against COVID-19.

What other research is being done

Other scholars are also studying the degree to which people are expressing altruism in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Their findings suggest that older people in several countries seem to be more altruistic than others in response to the pandemic, but also that older people also are more likely to give to charities closer to them[17]. Additional research shows that people who experience feelings that they could die from COVID-19 are more altruistic[18].

What’s next

We also collected data about how political affiliation may affect charitable giving. We will relay those findings in another study.

References

  1. ^ Research Brief (theconversation.com)
  2. ^ an online study (doi.org)
  3. ^ conducted (scholar.google.com)
  4. ^ with (scholar.google.com)
  5. ^ Adriana C. Pinate (www.researchgate.net)
  6. ^ Giulia Urso (scholar.google.com)
  7. ^ Marilynn B. Brewer (scholar.google.com)
  8. ^ particularly during pandemics (doi.org)
  9. ^ U.S. charitable giving rose 3.8% to a record $471 billion (theconversation.com)
  10. ^ most Americans found ways to express generosity (theconversation.com)
  11. ^ common refrain (news.sanfordhealth.org)
  12. ^ COVID-19 pandemic (www.wbur.org)
  13. ^ We’re all in this together (www.thedartmouth.com)
  14. ^ see if that sentiment would affect altruism (greatergood.berkeley.edu)
  15. ^ Subscribe to The Conversation’s new science newsletter (theconversation.com)
  16. ^ hard for governments to work together (www.theweek.co.uk)
  17. ^ more likely to give to charities closer to them (doi.org)
  18. ^ feelings that they could die from COVID-19 are more altruistic (doi.org)

Read more https://theconversation.com/having-covid-19-or-being-close-to-others-who-get-it-may-make-you-more-charitable-169070

Times Magazine

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Times Features

Tricia Paoluccio designer to the stars

The Case for Nuturing Creativity in the Classroom, and in our Lives I am an actress and an artist who has had the privilege of sharing my work across many countries, touring my ...

Duke of Dural to Get Rooftop Bar as New Owners Invest in Venue Upgrade

The Duke of Dural, in Sydney’s north-west, is set for a major uplift under new ownership, following its acquisition by hospitality group Good Beer Company this week. Led by resp...

Prefab’s Second Life: Why Australia’s Backyard Boom Needs a Circular Makeover

The humble granny flat is being reimagined not just as a fix for housing shortages, but as a cornerstone of circular, factory-built architecture. But are our systems ready to s...

Melbourne’s Burglary Boom: Break-Ins Surge Nearly 25%

Victorian homeowners are being warned to act now, as rising break-ins and falling arrest rates paint a worrying picture for suburban safety. Melbourne residents are facing an ...

Exploring the Curriculum at a Modern Junior School in Melbourne

Key Highlights The curriculum at junior schools emphasises whole-person development, catering to children’s physical, emotional, and intellectual needs. It ensures early year...

Distressed by all the bad news? Here’s how to stay informed but still look after yourself

If you’re feeling like the news is particularly bad at the moment, you’re not alone. But many of us can’t look away – and don’t want to. Engaging with news can help us make ...