Complete Bibliography & Further Reading
The science of altruism, giving, and prosocial behavior
UBDoingGood2 is built on rigorous research in altruism science, positive psychology, and the neuroscience of giving. This page provides a comprehensive bibliography of the academic works, books, and research papers that inform the product's 10 Ways of Giving framework and 38 modules. Each source is available through Amazon with direct purchase links, plus key academic papers for those who want to explore the original research.
The foundational research upon which UBDoingGood2's 10 Ways of Giving are built:
2007 • Broadway Books
The seminal work that forms the backbone of UBDoingGood2. Dr. Stephen Post, a bioethicist at Case Western Reserve University and President of the Institute for Research on Unlimited Love, synthesizes over 50 scientific studies from 44 major universities to demonstrate that giving—in its many forms—is one of the most powerful predictors of health, happiness, and longevity. The book introduces the 10 Ways of Giving that structure this entire product.
Essential texts from leading researchers on altruism, generosity, and prosocial behavior:
2015 • Little, Brown and Company
Buddhist monk and scientist Matthieu Ricard presents a comprehensive exploration of altruism, drawing on neuroscience, economics, and philosophy to argue that genuine altruism exists and can be cultivated. A masterful synthesis of Eastern wisdom and Western science on the nature and benefits of compassionate action.
2013 • Viking
Wharton professor Adam Grant's groundbreaking research reveals that success depends not just on hard work, talent, and luck, but also on how we interact with others. His research demonstrates that "givers"—those who contribute to others without expecting anything in return—often rise to the top of their fields.
2009 • W. W. Norton
UC Berkeley professor Dacher Keltner presents compelling evidence that humans are wired for goodness. Drawing on Darwin's lesser-known work on human emotions, Keltner shows how positive emotions like compassion, awe, and gratitude are central to human survival and flourishing.
2011 • Oxford University Press
The definitive academic text on altruism from one of the field's most respected researchers. Batson presents decades of experimental evidence demonstrating that genuine altruism—helping motivated by concern for others rather than self-interest—is a real and important part of human nature.
Key texts on cultivating compassion and the science of kindness:
2011 • William Morrow
University of Texas researcher Kristin Neff presents groundbreaking research showing that self-compassion—treating yourself with the same kindness you'd offer a good friend—is more beneficial than self-esteem for emotional resilience and well-being. Essential reading for understanding that giving must include giving to oneself.
2010 • New Harbinger
The founder of Compassion Focused Therapy explains the evolutionary basis of compassion and provides practical strategies for developing a more compassionate relationship with yourself and others. Gilbert's work bridges neuroscience, evolutionary psychology, and contemplative practice.
2002 • Shambhala (20th Anniversary Edition)
A classic guide to the Buddhist practice of metta (lovingkindness) meditation from one of America's most beloved meditation teachers. Salzberg offers practical techniques for cultivating unconditional love and friendliness toward self and others—the foundation of all giving.
Essential reading on the science and practice of forgiveness—Way 3 in Post's framework:
2002 • HarperOne
Stanford Forgiveness Project director Fred Luskin presents a scientifically-proven nine-step process for letting go of grudges and moving forward. His research demonstrates that forgiveness reduces stress, improves physical health, and increases psychological well-being.
2014 • HarperOne
Nobel Peace Prize winner Desmond Tutu and his daughter offer a four-step process for forgiveness drawn from Tutu's experience with South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. A profound integration of spiritual wisdom and practical guidance.
Peer-reviewed research underlying UBDoingGood2's evidence-based approach:
Post, S. G. (2005). International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 12(2), 66-77.
Stephen Post's foundational review paper synthesizing evidence that altruistic behavior is associated with greater well-being, health, and longevity. This paper provides the academic foundation for his popular book and the 10 Ways framework.
Brown, S. L., Nesse, R. M., Vinokur, A. D., & Smith, D. M. (2003). Psychological Science, 14(4), 320-327.
Landmark University of Michigan study finding that giving social support to others was associated with reduced mortality, even after controlling for receiving support. Directly supports Post's finding that giving is twice as protective as aspirin for heart health.
Moll, J., Krueger, F., Zahn, R., Pardini, M., de Oliveira-Souza, R., & Grafman, J. (2006). Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 103(42), 15623-15628.
Neuroimaging study demonstrating that charitable giving activates the brain's reward centers (mesolimbic pathway)—the same circuits involved in food and social rewards. Scientific basis for the "Helper's High" phenomenon.
Dunn, E. W., Aknin, L. B., & Norton, M. I. (2008). Science, 319(5870), 1687-1688.
Influential study published in Science showing that spending money on others (prosocial spending) produces greater happiness than spending on oneself, regardless of income level. Demonstrates the universal nature of giving's benefits.
Musick, M. A., & Wilson, J. (2003). Social Science & Medicine, 56(2), 259-269.
Large-scale study demonstrating that volunteering is associated with lower rates of depression, particularly among older adults. Supports Post's findings on the mental health benefits of giving.
Meier, S., & Stutzer, A. (2008). Economica, 75(297), 39-59.
Panel study tracking individuals over time to demonstrate that volunteering causes increased life satisfaction—not just that happier people volunteer more. Establishes the causal direction of the giving-happiness relationship.
Google Scholar is a free academic search engine that indexes peer-reviewed papers, theses, books, and conference proceedings from universities and research institutions worldwide.
Unlike regular Google, Scholar focuses exclusively on academic and scholarly sources—the original research that books like those above are based on.
Use Google Scholar when you want to:
Note: Some papers require institutional access or purchase, but many are freely available as PDFs.
Dr. Stephen Post serves as President of the Institute for Research on Unlimited Love, founded in 2001 by Sir John Templeton with the mission to support scientific research on altruistic and compassionate love. The Institute has funded over 50 studies at 44 major universities including Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Berkeley, and Case Western Reserve.
Key research areas include:
Visit unlimitedloveinstitute.org to learn more about ongoing research and access additional publications.
Transform the science of giving into daily inspiration with UBDoingGood2's 38 modules and 3,800+ curated quotes across 10 Ways of Giving.