A Study on South Korean College Students’ Perceptions of Gratitude

Abstract

Humans feel happy when they experience positive emotions; gratitude is a significant inducer of positive emotions. This study investigates perceptions of gratitude among South Korean college students using the Q methodology, which enables the examination of individuals’ subjectivity. We collected 227 statements from a Q population through literature reviews, paper reviews, interviews, and questionnaire surveys; from them statements, we selected 40 Q samples. The P samples included 46 college students at Dongguk University in Seoul, South Korea, and we performed data analysis with Principal Component Factor Analysis using the Quanl program. Using the results of this study, we classified gratitude into five types: Type 1 active gratitude through expression; Type 2 passive gratitude depending on conditions; Type 3 gratitude through relationships; Type 4 gratitude through internal satisfaction, and; Type 5 gratitude through materials. The results point to differences in experiences of gratitude that depend on conditions and environments, and by type. Researchers and administrators can use the results of this study to understand South Korean college students’ perspectives and perceptions when planning and implementing gratitude programs that prioritize their happiness.

A Meta-Analysis on the Effectiveness of Gratitude Promotion Programs for South Korean College Students

“…The finding indicates that gratitude promotion programs in which participants practiced saying they were grateful to surrounding people and writing letters were more effective. This result is consistent with the study, indicating that one can express gratitude well only when combining the positive aspects of the present moment and the experience of being grateful [ 44 ]. The results suggest that, when composing a gratitude promotion program for college students, it is necessary to enable them to carry out gratitude recording and gratitude practices simultaneously.…”

“…Lastly, we conducted qualitative studies on gratitude in parallel with previous research to add subjective insights into individuals’ experiences with gratitude. [ 44 ]. These studies explore the personal significance of gratitude in people’s lives, examining the results alongside quantitative data to enrich the overall understanding of the topic.…”