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A recent Gallup poll revealed that Americans' satisfaction with their personal lives reached a 24-year low in January, with only 44 per cent reporting being "very satisfied". This decline is linked to challenging periods, including the Covid-19 pandemic, persistent high prices and political discontent, particularly affecting Republicans. Cornell psychologist Anthony Burrow initiated "The Contribution Project", providing over 1,000 high school and college students with $400 to make a positive difference in their communities. Preliminary findings indicate that participants who received the funds and made contributions showed significantly higher levels of psychological well-being, purpose, and belonging after eight weeks compared to a control group. Contributions ranged from paying for community laundry services and donating books to planting trees and developing mental health resource websites, demonstrating the impact of altruistic actions.
