On the reinforcing value of helping behavior in a positive mood

In two separate experiments, each utilizing 33 male high school students, it was found that (a) after offering help, subjects reported that they were in a more positive mood than subjects who were not given the opportunity to help and (b) the proportion of helpers among subjects who expected their positive mood to continue was smaller than among those who did not share such an expectation. These findings are discussed in terms of the Negative State Relief model describing the relationship between mood and helping behavior.The authors wish to thank Dr. S. Dover for his valuable assistance during the early stages of the research.