In a study, scientists noted that teenagers who showed prosocial(亲社会的) behavior towards strangers had higher self-esteem(自尊) a year later. The same effect was not reported in those who showed similar behavior such as helping, sharing and comforting towards their families and friends.

“This study shows that young people who help people they do not know tend to feel better about themselves over time,” explained Professor Laura Padilla Walker.

“It suggests there might be something about helping strangers that influences one’s moral identity(道德认同) or opinions of self(自我). It happens in a more important way than helping friends or family members, although these are beneficial behavior as well.”

Padilla Walker and her research team said that teens showed higher levels of self-esteem after just one year of prosocial behavior.

The teens’ levels of prosocial behavior were judged using self-reports. During the process, they were asked how they felt when reading sentences like “I help people I don’t know, even if it’s not easy for me.”

She added that prosocial behavior could be mainly useful for teens who tend to focus on themselves. She also said that helping the people who were less fortunate than they were might benefit them as much as the people they were helping.

“It is best if teens can directly see the benefit of their help on others. This can increase gratitude(感恩) in young people and help them to focus less on their own problems.”

“Such behavior will also encourage them to meet new people, which will also improve their confidence,” she said.