Gratitude’s place in second wave positive psychology

Abstract

Second wave psychology (PP 2.0) aims at bringing out the best in individuals and societies in good and bad times, and it is based on four pillars: virtue, meaning, resilience, and well-being. In this essay, I want to explore how gratitude relates to these four pillars of PP 2.0 to establish whether gratitude has a place within PP 2.0. Gratitude is considered a virtue, important for living a good life. Also, gratitude is associated with greater resilience when faced with adversity in life, and a wealth of research points to the beneficial effects of gratitude on human well-being. Regarding meaning in life, the how and why of the connection with gratitude is still unclear. Future efforts to unravel the association between gratitude and meaning in life are warranted. This short exploration shows that gratitude has a place within the conceptual basis of PP 2.0 and it seems to bring out the best in individuals and, consequently in society as a whole. Future research into gratitude and the four pillars of PP 2.0 can establish the beneficial effects of gratitude on both the bright side as the dark side of human nature.