On Gratitude

Abstract

In this review, I use Emmons and McCullough's excellent volume on gratitude as a platform for discussing several issues in emotion,cultural, and moral psychology. First I summarize this exceptionally rich edited book, which provides accessible reviews of the philosophy,theology, anthropology, sociology, evolutionary biology, and psychology of gratitude. I next take up four questions inspired by the book. First, I consider whether gratitude is an emotion, and how to operationally define emotions. Second, I discuss the cognitive components of gratitude, including the appraisal structure of gratitude and whether gratitude can occur without an attribution. Third, I take up the question of whether gratitude is indeed a positive emotion, and propose some complications in the nature of positive emotions. Last, I consider potential sources of individual, cultural, and religious differences in gratitude, such as whether gratitude is mostly about internal feelings or the fulfillment of social obligations.Psychology has typically viewed emotions as internal experiences that were selected for because they enhance the fitness of the individual experiencing them. But more recently, psychology has come to realize the importance of emotions that orient our concerns away from our own, narrow interests to the interests of others. While these emotions are no doubt also relevant to the individual's fitness, they can also be seen more broadly and in a more social, moral, and self-transcendent context. It is probably a confluence of several factors that promoted this broadening of interest (Emmons, 2004).

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

“…This is consistent with findings that gratitude may predict a greater life span (Danner et al, 2001). The sense of appreciation from experiencing gratitude is believed to make the heart rhythm smooth and harmonious, enhancing coherence within the body and increasing physical health and wellbeing (Cohen, 2006).…”

“…Fredrickson (2004) found that individuals who experienced positive emotions had the ability to explore their environment, obtaining vital survival resources. The broaden-and-build model may also encourage individuals to become more creative in their methods of reciprocating and reflecting gratitude (Cohen, 2006). In addition, a positive emotion such as gratitude is believed to improve broad-minded coping, which has been shown to increase positive affect (Fredrickson and Joiner, 2002).…”

The psychology of gratitude

“…Javaslata szerint az elkülönítés alapja az lehet, hogy a hála per definitionem magában foglalja az ágensre vonatkozó attribúciókat. Így a Grand Canyon látványa válthat ki áhítatot, egy lottónyeremény öröm-mámort, de hálát nem (Cohen, 2006).…”

Educating gratitude: Some conceptual and moral misgivings

“…It also raises the question of whether the beneficiary feels as grateful to those of higher status from whom benefits are expected. Appadurai also indicates that Tamil gratitude focuses more on the benefits of benefaction than on the benefactor (see also Cohen, 2006) -which might suggest a different relationship between beneficiary and benefactor than is common in Western cultures.…”