Good intentions soothe pain, increase pleasure

You can really taste the love that goes into mom's homemade pie, according to new research published in Social Psychological and Personality Science (SPPS). A study by Kurt Gray of the University of Maryland found that knowing that an act has good intentions behind it improves the experience. Across three experiments, he found that good intentions — even misguided ones — can sooth pain, increase pleasure, and make things taste better. "The Power of Good Intentions: Perceived Benevolence Soothes Pain, Increases Pleasure, and Improves Taste” was published Jan. 17 online in SPPS.