Gratitude and Well‐Being: Who Benefits the Most from a Gratitude Intervention?

Abstract

Background: Theory and research have shown that gratitude interventions have positive outcomes on measures of well-being. Gratitude listing, behavioral expressions, and grateful contemplation are methods of inducing gratitude. While research has examined gratitude listing and behavioral expressions, no study has tested the long-term effects of a gratitude contemplation intervention on well-being. Methods: The present experiment examined the efficacy of a 4-week gratitude contemplation intervention program in improving well-being relative to a memorable events control condition. Pre-test measures of cardiac coherence, trait gratitude, and positive and negative affect were collected. Preand post-test measures assessing satisfaction with life and self-esteem were also collected. Daily positive and negative affect were completed twice a week throughout the intervention period. Results: Compared to those in the memorable events condition, participants in the gratitude condition reported higher satisfaction with life and self-esteem. Trait gratitude was found to moderate the effects of the gratitude intervention on satisfaction with life. Conclusion: Grateful contemplation can be used to enhance long-term well-being.

Can Health Status and Self-Esteem Predict Gratitude in Adult Females?

“…This was the only supported hypothesis in the current study. Self-esteem was the only variable to reach statistical significance and add unique variance to the model, supporting prior research which has found a link between self-esteem and gratitude (Emmons and McCullough, 2003;Kashdan et al, 2006;Rash et al, 2011). A post-hoc ANOVA revealed that 5.3% of the variability in gratitude scores can be accounted for by individual's self-esteem levels.…”

“…This suggests that gratitude may be a self-acceptance-related emotion associated with self-esteem (Rash et al, 2011). A study on Vietnam War veterans found that high levels of gratitude significantly predicted greater self-esteem after controlling for post-traumatic stress severity (Kashdan et al, 2006).…”

“…Although the relationship between self-esteem and gratitude has not been extensively researched, results of Rash et al (2011) gratitude intervention demonstrated higher levels of gratitude resulted in higher levels of self-esteem and life satisfaction in males. This suggests that gratitude may be a self-acceptance-related emotion associated with self-esteem (Rash et al, 2011).…”

“…In addition, the use of gratitude to assist client's in viewing life as a gift (rather than a constant struggle), has been criticised in relation to severe psychopathology. Rash et al (2011) posit that interventions alone are not sufficient in helping individuals who are greatly distressed and possibly suicidal. Therefore, it is proposed that gratitude may be useful as an adjunct to traditional therapy in the treatment of mental disorders (Young and Hutchinson, 2012).…”

“…The psychological benefits of a grateful attitude has includes happiness, optimism and peace of mind (Emmons and Shelton, 2002;Rash et al, 2011). Gratitude is also directly linked with other positive emotions such as contentment, pride and hope, which enhance a pleasant psychological state (Emmons and Shelton, 2002).…”