6 Surprising Benefits of Curiosity
"Why?"
That's the question parents and teachers both dread and love to hear
from kids. We dread it because, well, sometimes we don't know the answer -- or
we're too lazy or harried to come up with a good one. But we usually do our
best, understanding that curiosity is key to learning.
But did you know that the benefits of curiosity are not limited to the
intellectual? For children and adults alike, curiosity has been linked with
psychological, emotional, social, and even health benefits. Here are six of
them!
1. Curiosity helps us survive.
The urge to explore and seek novelty helps us remain
vigilant and gain knowledge about our constantly changing environment, which
may be why our brains evolved to release dopamine and other feel-good chemicals
when we encounter new things.
2. Curious people are happier.
Research has shown curiosity to be
associated with higher levels of positive emotions, lower levels of anxiety,
more satisfaction with life, and greater psychological well-being. Of course,
it may be, at least partially, that people who are already happier tend to be
more curious, but since novelty makes us feel good (see above), it seems likely
that it goes the other direction as well.
3. Curiosity boosts achievement.
Studies reveal that curiosity leads
to more enjoyment and participation in school
and higher academic achievement, as well as greater
learning, engagement, and performance at work. It may seem like
common sense, but when we are more curious about and interested in what we are
doing, it's easier to get involved, put effort in, and do well.
4. Curiosity can expand our empathy.
When we are curious about others
and talk to people outside our usual social circle, we become better able to understand those with
lives, experiences, and worldviews different than our own. Next time you have
the chance to talk with a stranger, especially someone who may be quite
dissimilar to you, try engaging with them on a personal level (respectfully, of
course) and showing them that you are interested in what they have to say.
5. Curiosity helps strengthen relationships.
One study asked strangers to pose
and answer personal questions, a process scientists call "reciprocal
self-disclosure." They found that people were rated as warmer and more
attractive if they showed real curiosity in the exchange (while other variables
like the person's social anxiety and their levels of positive and negative
emotions did not affect the partner's feelings of attraction and closeness).
This implies that demonstrating curiosity towards someone is a great way to
build your closeness with them.
6. Curiosity improves health care.
Research
suggests that when doctors are genuinely curious about their patients'
perspectives, both doctors and patients report less anger and frustration and
make better
By Emily Campbell
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/greater-good-science-center/benefits-of-curiosity_b_8338718.html?ir=Healthy%20Living?ncid=newsltushpmg00000003
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