AP Psychology Practice Test 2025 - Free AP Psychology Practice Questions and Study Guide

The feel-good, do-good phenomenon refers to the tendency for people to be more altruistic and helpful when they are in a positive mood. Research suggests that when individuals experience happiness, they are more inclined to engage in prosocial behaviors and help others. This concept highlights the connection between emotional states and actions, indicating that positive feelings can lead to increased generosity and kindness toward others.

The other options explore related themes but do not encapsulate the phenomenon as precisely. For example, while feeling better after helping others suggests a benefit to altruism, it does not capture the initial role of mood in prompting the helping behavior. Similarly, the idea that doing good deeds feels good focuses on the outcome rather than the antecedent emotional state that encourages the helpful behavior. Lastly, experiencing a good mood following good deeds highlights a consequence rather than illustrating the influence of mood on the decision to help in the first place. The essence of the feel-good, do-good phenomenon lies in the proactive link between one’s positive emotional state and the likelihood of engaging in helpful acts.