No full-text available
To read the full-text of this research,
you can request a copy directly from the authors.
Gratitude as a Psychotherapeutic Intervention
Abstract
Gratitude practice can be a catalyzing and relational healing force, often untapped in clinical practice. In this article, we provide an overview of current thinking about gratitude's defining and beneficial properties, followed by a brief review of the research on mental health outcomes that result from gratitude practice. Following an analysis of our case study of the use of gratitude as a psychotherapeutic intervention, we present various self-strategies and techniques for consciously choosing and cultivating gratitude. We conclude by describing ways in which gratitude might be capitalized upon for beneficial outcomes in therapeutic settings.
... Gratitude Interventions: Gratitude interventions have been shown to effectively enhance individuals' gratitude levels. Common interventions include gratitude diaries and gratitude letters (Emmons & Stern, 2013). Gratitude diaries involve participants recording daily events they are grateful for, increasing their awareness of positive life events. ...
... Gratitude Intervention Group: This group will engage in daily gratitude diaries and weekly gratitude letters for four weeks, with the aim of enhancing gratitude through the active expression of appreciation (Emmons & Stern, 2013). ...
... Longitudinal studies will provide deeper insights into the lasting impacts of gratitude interventions, especially in enhancing individual well-being and perceived social support (Fredrickson et al., 2008). Finally, future research could explore the application of gratitude interventions in various settings, such as workplaces, educational environments, or clinical psychological interventions, to validate their broad applicability and potential benefits across different contexts (Emmons & Stern, 2013). ...
This study explores the multifaceted factors influencing gratitude and investigates the effectiveness of gratitude interventions and mindfulness practices in enhancing gratitude levels. Based on existing research, personality traits (e.g., extraversion and empathy), social support, and cultural background are hypothesized to significantly impact the experience and expression of gratitude. A four-week experimental design involving gratitude journaling and mindfulness training is proposed to examine the potential for these practices to elevate individual gratitude levels. The study further aims to highlight the role of emotional regulation in moderating the relationship between gratitude and well-being. The findings are expected to contribute to the theoretical understanding of gratitude and provide practical guidance for implementing gratitude-based interventions in various settings, such as education, clinical therapy, and organizational management.
... Although the information provided and expectations varied across the three conditions, all participants received the same psychological treatment. The gratitude intervention in this study was based on the 'Three Good Things' list developed by Emmons and McCullough (2003), and Emmons and Stern (2013), with identical instructions provided for all conditions. ...
... The "counting blessings" intervention The instruction was similar with the intervention proposed by Emmons and Stern (2013), respectively Emmons and McCullough (2003), for all conditions. "There are many things in our lives, both large and small, that we can be grateful about. ...
Introduction
This randomized controlled trial aimed to address a knowledge gap concerning the mechanisms responsible for the efficacy of gratitude interventions. Specifically, we investigated how various response expectancies (positive, ambiguous + negative, and no expectancy) impact the efficacy of the “counting blessings” intervention in influencing positive and negative emotions. Additionally, the study explores how optimism levels (high, medium, low) interact with these expectancies to influence intervention efficacy.
Method
A total of 529 adult volunteers were recruited through social media and randomly assigned to one of three experimental conditions, Positive Condition (PC), Ambiguous + Negative Condition (ANC), No Expectancy Condition (NEC), using a Random Sequence Generator. Of these, 142 participants completed the seven-day counting blessings intervention, and 111 participated in a follow-up assessment 1 month later. Missing data were addressed using multiple imputation. The main outcomes were changes in positive and negative emotions, with moderation analysis assessing the interaction between optimism levels and response expectancies. The study adhered to the CONSORT guidelines.
Results
While no significant interaction was found between experimental conditions and time regarding emotional outcomes (p ˃ 0.05), moderation analysis revealed differential interactions between optimism levels and expectancies, particularly influencing positive emotions (p < 0.009). For participants with low optimism, positive emotions significantly increased from post-intervention to follow-up in the PC (t = −2.42, p < 0.016) and from pre-intervention to post-intervention in the ANC (t = 2.41, p < 0.018). Participants with medium optimism experienced an increase in positive emotions across all conditions from pre-intervention to follow-up and from post-intervention to follow-up (ps < 0.05). High optimism participants showed an increase in positive emotions from pre-intervention to follow-up and post-intervention to follow-up in the PC (t = 2.09, p < 0.038 and t = 3.06, p < 0.003) and NEC c (t = −2.76, p < 0.006 and t = 2.74, p < 0.007).
Conclusion
Our findings emphasize the effectiveness of a brief gratitude journal and underscore the nuanced role of response expectancy, especially in interaction with the initial level of optimism, in enhancing positive emotions. These results hold significance for both theoretical understanding and clinical applications.
... Благодарността провокира творчески подход по отношение на дейности, свързани с благополучието на околните, без това да се ограничава само до лицето, към което е насочена. Това води не само до изграждане, поддържане и задълбочаване на социални връзки и приятелства, но и до готовност за оказване на подкрепа в кризисни ситуации (Emmons & Stern, 2013;Fredrickson, 2004). При благодарните хора се отчитат сравнително ниски нива на негодувание и завист и те са по-склонни да проявят съпричастност и прошка (R. Emmons, 2009). ...
... В кризисни условия благодарствената перспектива засилва подкрепата и междуличностните връзки (Emmons & Stern, 2013). По време на Ковид кризата партньори, които си оказват ежедневна подкрепа, изпитват повече благодарност и по-малко стрес (Jiang et al., 2022), a благодарността към партньора предсказва положително партньорската аз-ефективност (как партньорите оценяват способността си да поддържат връзка) и удовлетвореността от живота (Buenconsejo et al., 2023). ...
Резюме: Благодарността влияе позитивно върху изграждането, поддържането и задълбочаването на меж
дуличностни връзки, включително при романтичните партньори. Целта на настоящото изследване е да уста
нови има ли разлика в нивата на благодарност, в зависимост от семейното положение и местоживеенето.
Проведено е допитване, което събира информация за диспозиционна благодарност сред извадка, балансирана
по пол (n = 199), с The Gratitude Questionnaire, GQ-5 (α = 0,763). Установиха се значими различия по семейно по
ложение, като семейните хора съобщават за по-високо ниво на благодарност, в сравнение с необвързаните. За
ефекта на местоживеенето върху нивата на благодарността са необходими бъдещи изследвания. Резултатите
потвърдиха, че обвързаните хора имат по-високи нива на диспозиционна благодарност, което допускаме, че се
дължи на факта, че изпитването и изразяването на признателност провокира поведение в двойката, което от
своя страна стимулира изпитване и изразяване на благодарност в бъдеще.
Ключови думи: благодарност, взаимоотношения, романтични партньори, позитивна психология
Abstract: Gratitude has a positive effect on establishing, maintaining and deepening interpersonal relationships,
including romantic ones. The aim of the present study is to determine whether there are differences in levels of gratitude
according to marital status and place of residence. The Gratitude Questionnaire, GQ-5 (α = 0.763) was used to collect
information on dispositional gratitude in a gender-balanced sample (n = 199). Significant differences were found by mar
ital status - married people reported higher levels of gratitude than single people. Future research is needed to investigate
the effect of place of residence on levels of gratitude. The results confirmed that committed individuals have higher levels
of dispositional gratitude, which we hypothesise is because experiencing and expressing gratitude provokes behavior in
the couple that in turn stimulates experiencing and expressing gratitude in the future.
Keywords: gratitude, relationships, romantic partners, positive psychology
... Pode ser definida como um estado cognitivo-afetivo, com importância social. Associada a maior bem-estar, emoções positivas e satisfação com a vida, a gratidão estimula traços de compaixão e generosidade (Emmons & McCullough, 2003;Emmons & Stern, 2013;Peterson & Seligman, 2004;Wood et al., 2010). ...
... Ela também pode ser reconhecida como uma "visão de mundo", uma tendência a notar e apreciar os aspectos positivos da vida (Peterson & Seligman, 2004;Wood et al., 2010). Foi encontrado que maiores índices de gratidão predizem maiores índices de bem-estar, de emoções positivas, de satisfação com a vida, além de estar ligada a maior qualidade das relações interpessoais, na medida que estimula traços de compaixão, de generosidade, de extroversão e menos características narcísicas (Emmons & Stern, 2013;Wood et al., 2010). ...
Introdução: na literatura atual, nota-se um destaque para abordagens que proporcionem bem-estar e emoções positivas em várias áreas da saúde. Na saúde mental, a Psicologia Positiva é o campo que, por meio do estudo das emoções e das características pessoais positivas, visa promover o potencial e os talentos humanos, objetivando o bem-estar. A Psiquiatria Positiva faz uma maior vinculação com os aspectos médicos e sintomas psiquiátricos. No campo psicoterápico, há as Intervenções em Psicologia Positiva (IPP), em que atividades que aumentem emoções positivas são estimuladas. Este trabalho busca revisar intervenções relacionadas à gratidão e ao otimismo e seus desfechos em saúde e bem-estar. Método: revisão narrativa sobre intervenções de gratidão e otimismo, explorando seus benefícios e eficácia na promoção do bem-estar. A busca abrangeu MEDLINE e PsycInfo, incluindo termos amplos e específicos. Foram analisados 73 artigos de intervenções em gratidão, 209 em otimismo, selecionando 24 e 25 estudos, respectivamente, além de 5 estudos que aplicaram ambas as intervenções. Considerações finais: ambas as intervenções demonstraram ser efetivas no aumento do bem-estar e na redução de sintomas depressivos em indivíduos com e sem psicopatologias.
... Terapi kebersyukuranadalah sebuah pendekatan terapi yang mengacu pada praktik bersyukur untuk meningkatkan kesejahteraan psikologis dan fisik seseorang. Terapi rasa syukur berfokus pada mengubah cara pandang seseorang terhadap hidup dan meningkatkan rasa syukur mereka terhadap apa yang telah dimiliki dalam hidupnya, baik hal-hal kecil maupun besar (Emmons & Stern, 2013). Dalam terapi ini, klien didorong untuk memikirkan hal-hal positif dalam hidupnya dan mengucapkan rasa syukur atas hal-hal tersebut. ...
Background: Subjective well-being is an essential indicator of an individual's happiness, satisfaction, and overall quality of life. Gratitude therapy has emerged as an intervention aimed at improving subjective well-being. Although widely used, evaluating its effectiveness in diverse contexts remains crucial. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of gratitude therapy in enhancing subjective well-being by reviewing existing literature. Method: A systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. The literature search utilized the keywords “gratitude therapy” AND “subjective well-being” for articles published between 2013 and 2024. Seven studies that met the inclusion criteria were examined. Result: The review found strong evidence from studies conducted both in Indonesia and abroad, indicating that gratitude therapy significantly improves subjective well-being across various participant characteristics. Conclusion: Gratitude therapy is an effective intervention for enhancing subjective well-being. The findings suggest that gratitude therapy can be a viable option for improving well-being, with implications for further research into the psychological factors involved in optimizing subjective well-being.
... Alternatively, those who interacted with the module may have found enough variety to keep their practice engaging and increasingly meaningful. These findings provide limited support to previous conclusions that gratitude journaling should be used sparingly, as overuse may decrease the desired effect (Emmons & Stern, 2013;Lyubomirsky et al., 2005), and that diminishing effects of gratitude practices may be due to a lack of diversity of content (Davis et al., 2016). ...
Gratitude practices have been shown to increase subjective well-being and other positive outcomes; however, research on gratitude training has focused primarily on the practice of journaling. Further research examining alternative gratitude practices may yield valuable insights on the comparative efficacy of various gratitude interventions, and could suggest additional gratitude practices that warrant further study. This study examined the efficacy of the My Best Self 101 (MBS101) gratitude module: an online training resource that provides psychoeducation about gratitude along with a menu of empirically-based gratitude practices anchored in the research literature. Using mixed effects models of repeated measures, we examined gratitude and subjective well-being outcomes for participants assigned to either the MBS101 gratitude module or a traditional gratitude journaling practice. Participants were 290 adults recruited online from the general population and from a university student research pool. Mixed effects models of repeated measures were also used to analyze the interaction between time spent on gratitude practice, group assignment, and timepoint (post-test). Although both groups showed significant improvements, compared to the gratitude journaling group, the MBS101 group had significantly better outcomes on gratitude and subjective well-being. Additionally, when the time, group, and timepoint interaction was added, the MBS101 group had limited benefits for gratitude and mixed benefits for subjective well-being with increased time spent. These findings support the possibility that using a flexible, menu-based approach to gratitude training may yield improved outcomes and increase the likelihood of ongoing engagement with gratitude practices.
... Gratitude refers to "a generalized tendency to recognize and respond with gratefulness to the role of other people's benevolence in the positive experiences and outcomes that one obtains" [1]. Gratitude may stem from sources outside the self that are either interpersonal (e.g., good intentions of a person providing some benefit or aid [3]), or non-interpersonal (e.g., feeling thankful for waking up in the morning [4]). There is strong empirical evidence to show that gratitude is linked to various positive psychology constructs, including well-being, life satisfaction, positive affect, prosocial behavior, forgiveness, happiness, and optimism [4][5][6][7]. ...
Background
Although gratitude is a culturally-sensitive construct, it has yet received limited research attention in Arab countries, hence hindering the understanding of its features, correlates, and cross-cultural specificities. To fill this gap, we sought to examine the psychometric properties of an Arabic translation of the 6-item Gratitude Questionnaire (GQ) in an Arabic-speaking sample of adults from the general population of Lebanon.
Method
We conducted a web-based survey including 601 participants (mean age 29.91 ± 12.61, 62.7% females). The forward-backward translation method was used for the translation and adaptation of the GQ-6 into the Arabic language.
Results
Findings indicated that a four-item version of the GQ achieved adequate fit statistics with the removal of the two reverse-scored third and sixth items. We found a McDonald Omega coefficient for the total 4-item GQ (GQ-4) scores of 0.88, thus attesting for the good reliability of the scale. Multiple-group Confirmatory Factor Analysis showed that the scale structure was invariant across male and female respondents at the configural, metric, and scalar levels. Females exhibited significantly higher gratitude scores compared to males. Finally, discriminant validity of the Arabic GQ-4 was evidenced through positive significant correlations with social support levels.
Conclusion
The Arabic adaptation of the GQ showed good psychometric qualities, suggesting that it is suitable for measuring people’s disposition toward gratitude in Arab backgrounds. Offering the Arabic GQ-4 as a brief, simple, cost-effective, valid, and reliable measure of gratitude to the Arabic-speaking community could help raise awareness about gratitude as a key component for achieving good mental health and wellbeing in Arab contexts.
... COMET was originally designed by Professor Rob de Rubeis' team [35] for adolescents in India, and subsequently adapted and evaluated in US college students. COMET includes 4 modules based on evidence-based principles, namely, (1) behavioral activation (BA); (2) cognitive restructuring; (3) gratitude, from the discipline of positive psychology [36]; and (4) self-compassion. Versions of COMET have been developed with Kenyan and Indian adolescents and tested with US graduate students during the pandemic [35,37,38]. ...
Background
Mental health problems in university students are associated with many negative outcomes, yet there is a gap between need and timely access to help. Single-session interventions (SSIs) are designed to be scalable and accessible, delivering core evidence-based intervention components within a one-off encounter.
Objective
COMET (Common Elements Toolbox) is an online self-help SSI that includes behavioral activation, cognitive restructuring, gratitude, and self-compassion. COMET has previously been evaluated in India, Kenya, and the United States with promising results. This study tests the acceptability, appropriateness, perceived utility, and efficacy of COMET among UK university students during the peripandemic period.
Methods
We conducted a randomized controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of COMET compared with a control group, with 2- and 4-week follow-ups. Outcome variables were subjective well-being, depression severity, anxiety severity, positive affect, negative affect, and perceived stress. We also measured intervention satisfaction immediately after completion of COMET. All UK university students with access to the internet were eligible to participate and were informed of the study online. The data were analyzed using linear mixed models and reported in accordance with the CONSORT-EHEALTH (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials of Electronic and Mobile Health Applications and Online Telehealth) checklist.
Results
Of the 831 people screened, 468 participants were randomized to a condition, 407 completed the postintervention survey, 147 returned the 2-week follow-up survey, 118 returned the 4-week follow-up survey, and 89 returned both. Of the 239 randomized, 212 completed COMET. Significant between-group differences in favor of the COMET intervention were observed at 2-week follow-ups for subjective well-being (Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale; mean difference [MD] 1.39, 95% CI 0.19-2.61; P=.03), depression severity (9-item Patient Health Questionnaire; MD –1.31, 95% CI –2.51 to –0.12; P=.03), and perceived stress (4-item Perceived Stress Scale; MD –1.33, 95% CI –2.10 to –0.57; P<.001). Overall, participants were satisfied with COMET, with the majority endorsing the intervention and its modules as acceptable, appropriate, and exhibiting high utility. The self-compassion module was most often reported as the participants’ favorite module and the behavioral activation module was their least favorite. Qualitative analysis revealed that participants found COMET generally accessible, but too long, and experienced immediate and long-term beneficial effects.
Conclusions
This study demonstrated high engagement with the COMET intervention, along with preliminary short-term efficacy. Almost all participants completed the intervention, but study attrition was high. Participant feedback indicated a high level of overall satisfaction with the intervention, with perceived accessibility, immediate benefits, and potential long-term impact being notable findings. These findings support the potential value of COMET as a mental health intervention and highlight important areas for further improvement.
Trial Registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05718141; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05718141
... Also, it is negatively associated with negative emotions which include envy, greed, bitterness and resentment. The results are evidence to the fact that the higher the level of gratitude, more the protection from psychiatric illness and pathological conditions (Emmons & Stern, 2013). McCullough et al. (2002) conducted four studies in a large sample. ...
This article aims to study whether gratitude affects mental health and, if so, then provide plausible explanations for the same. The surge in interest in studying gratitude is due to the fact that positive psychology research studies have consistently proven that gratitude leads to a higher amount of life satisfaction, happiness and well-being across various strata of individuals all over the world. Though the contribution of gratitude towards well-being and mental health has been established but this also exerts the need to provide a global definition for gratitude. The article aims to: (a) give a scalable yet universally accepted definition of gratitude, (b) study the effect of gratitude on our mental health and (c) study the effect of gratitude interventions on mental health. Mental health, in this article, is indicated by the absence of symptoms of depression and anxiety as well as the presence of positive emotions. The majority of studies in this arena have focused on how gratitude positively affects our mental health, subjective and eudaimonic well-being, but there have also been a significant number of studies which show that gratitude interventions have not been as effective. Possible explanations of the association between gratitude and mental health have been discussed. The article is a narrative, non-systematic review and will be useful for those who are interested in translating the scientific study of gratitude into practice by assisting them to understand and enhance the effectiveness of gratitude interventions.
... In the present study, the feeling of thankfulness was understood by patients as a reflection on the good moments during the day and finding joy in small, positive aspects of life. Emmons' research has shown that gratitude is not just a positive emotion, but a fundamental aspect of spirituality that can significantly impact mental and physical health [30]. Gratitude as a spiritual practice is especially valuable for patients struggling with chronic illness or disability. ...
... Numerous studies have established associations between gratitude and reduced levels of psychopathological symptoms, specifically depression and anxiety (Emmons & Stern, 2013;Wood et al., 2010). In a meta-analysis study, Iodice, Malouff and Schutte (2021) found a substantial association between gratitude and depression. ...
This study explores the relationship between executive functions, positive psychology, and depression within the context of a positive neuropsychological framework. The participants
comprised 286 university students (113 male and 173 female). The study utilized the Executive Function Index (EFI), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and Positive Psychology Scale for
data collection. Research questions were addressed through the application of simple regression, Pearson correlation, and t-test methodologies. The study findings revealed that the EFI failed to
predict positive psychology and depression. Conversely, positive psychology exhibited predictive capabilities for depression. Additionally, the results demonstrated a negative correlation between depression and positive psychology, depression and executive functions, as well as a positive correlation between positive psychology and executive functions. Furthermore, the study revealed that females exhibited higher levels of depression, while males exhibited higher levels of positive
psychology.
... According to previous research, the practice of gratitude can reduce mental health problems, such as psychological distress, anxiety, and depression (Deichert et al., 2019;Wood et al., 2008), promote physical health, such as cardiovascular and immune health (Cousin et al., 2020;Emmons & Stern, 2013), and reduce symptoms of COVID-19 and chronic illness (Fekete & Deichert, 2022;Jiang, 2022;Sirois & Wood, 2017). ...
... This is because when clinicians not only predict stress factors or problems but also think about resources and resilience for recovery, it can lead to an integrated approach. Moreover, it has also been reported that gratitude, when properly addressed, promotes voluntary healing (Emmons & Stern, 2013). However, if the focus of treatment proceeds too quickly to gratitude, the problem may not be fully treated (Lambert & Erekson, 2008;Russell & Fosha, 2008). ...
In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of indirect gratitude experience on life satisfaction and perceived social support. The participants included 68 adults (33 males and 35 females) who were assigned to a direct gratitude group, an indirect gratitude group, or a control group for a 6-day writing intervention. This study shows that gratitude treatment, including direct and indirect gratitude, significantly increases life satisfaction and perceived social support levels in the direct and indirect gratitude groups compared to the control group. There was no significant difference in life satisfaction and social support between the direct and indirect gratitude groups. In addition, changes in the measured values of direct and indirect gratitude before and after the intervention were significant in both life satisfaction and perceived social support, indicating that just reading or seeing other people’s gratitude experiences enhances the feeling of gratitude and its psychological effects. Finally, the limitations of this study and suggestions are discussed.
... Numerous studies have established associations between gratitude and reduced levels of psychopathological symptoms, specifically depression and anxiety (Emmons & Stern, 2013;Wood et al., 2010). In a meta-analysis study, Iodice, Malouff and Schutte (2021) found a substantial association between gratitude and depression. ...
This study explores the relationship between executive functions, positive psychology, and depression within the context of a positive neuropsychological framework. The participants comprised 286 university students (113 male and 173 female). The study utilized the Executive Function Index (EFI), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and Positive Psychology Scale for data collection. Research questions were addressed through the application of simple regression, Pearson correlation, and t-test methodologies. The study findings revealed that the EFI failed to predict positive psychology and depression. Conversely, positive psychology exhibited predictive capabilities for depression. Additionally, the results demonstrated a negative correlation between depression and positive psychology, depression and executive functions, as well as a positive correlation between positive psychology and executive functions. Furthermore, the study revealed that females exhibited higher levels of depression, while males exhibited higher levels of positive psychology.
... 3). Students' output resembles what Emmons and Stern (2013) refer to as kindness, generousness, gifts, the beauty of giving and receiving, or receiving something for nothing (p. 846). ...
Gratitude, defined by many as being thankful and appreciative of things that make life and relationships meaningful and purposeful, catalyzes holistic well-being. It is considered a manifestation of both inner and outer spirituality and develops spiritual growth. In this article, twenty-three students from a large public university in the U.S. representing various faith traditions explore the practice of gratitude as spirituality and its impact on well-being. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate how gratitude, also conceptualized and articulated by college students as spirituality, influences students’ well-being. By exploring common and unique themes based on students’ individual reflections and synthesis on their weekly journal entries on the topic of gratitude as spirituality toward well-being, students assert that first, practicing gratitude enables them to experience something of the essence of spirituality, which is about interconnectedness and bringing into focus the things in life that they must be contented with and happy about. Second, expressing gratitude helps shift students’ perspectives by looking at conflict more as an opportunity for growth and constructive change than anything else. It redirects their mindset to transforming conflict’s negative and destructive energies into something beneficial, although the process might seem difficult. Third, practicing gratitude improves students’ overall mental, physical, spiritual, and social well-being. It helps them develop a sense of empathy and understanding toward others and aids them with better communication, deeper connections, and awareness of the self and their surroundings. This article concludes that there is, indeed, a dynamic interplay between gratitude and spirituality regarding students’ well-being. The article recommends that academic institutions and teachers of higher education provide students with classroom and public spaces to integrate conversations around gratitude, spirituality, and well-being into their academic studies as this helps enrich students’ overall learning experiences.
... Research indicates that gratitude is a positive emotional state that enhances psychological resilience and resources, thereby promoting more effective coping strategies (Wood et al., 2010). Speci cally, gratitude helps individuals perceive life events more positively, improve psychological well-being, reduce stress levels, mitigate the impact of negative emotions, enhance problem-solving abilities, and utilize social support (Li et al., 2019;Emmons & Stern, 2013). These mechanisms of gratitude underscore its importance and positive impact in coping processes. ...
Purpose This study evaluated the potential relationship between gratitude and coping strategies, examining the mediating effects of perceived social support and self-esteem between gratitude and coping strategies.
Methods Starting from January 2023, our research team conducted three longitudinal surveys on 2018 high school students, using Mplus software to construct a structural equation model to explore the relationships between gratitude, coping strategies, perceived social support, and self-esteem.
Results Gratitude can significantly predict coping strategies directly and indirectly through perceived social support and self-esteem.
Conclusion Gratitude can significantly and positively predict coping strategies both directly and indirectly. This study delves into the complex relationship between gratitude and coping strategies, deepening our understanding of this dynamic. Schools and families should prioritize strengthening children's gratitude education and nurturing their confidence and self-esteem to help them cultivate a positive mindset and engage in positive prosocial behaviors.
... No sentido mundano, a gratidão é um sentimento que ocorre em trocas interpessoais, quando uma pessoa reconhece ter recebido um benefício valioso de outra. A noção transcendente é de que alguém recebe um benefício pessoal não intencionalmente almejado, merecido ou conquistado, mas que se deve às boas intenções de outra pessoa Stern, 2013). Emmons (2013) também desenvolveu um programa de 21 dias para criar predisposição emocional. ...
As intensidades emocionais de estudantes com altas habilidades/superdotação afetam não apenas seu aprendizado, mas também a forma como vivem e enxergam o mundo. Este artigo examina a Teoria da Desintegração Positiva de Dabrowski para explorar o mundo interior de pessoas com altas habilidades/superdotação. Os cinco níveis de desenvolvimento e as cinco sobre-excitabilidades de Dabrowski representam uma abundância de energia física, sensorial, criativa, intelectual e emocional que causa turbulência interna, mas que também pode levar a iniciativas criativas. Os benefícios da prática de mindfulness para atender às necessidades emocionais de estudantes com altas habilidades/superdotação são apresentados com exemplos de escuta profunda, gratidão e storytelling como práticas de mindfulness. Um projeto final de storytelling ilustra a integração da escuta profunda e da gratidão, além de seu efeito sobre o senso de identidade de estudantes com altas habilidades/superdotação.
... these are very essential narratives, because appreciation is a factor that strengthens and motivates for further action. at the same time, appreciating what you already have and being grateful for where you are and what you have makes people feel happier (emmons & Stern, 2013;Watkins et al., 2003;. ...
The article explores how humans make sense of and perceive war as a crisis, emphasizing the values attributed to it. It focuses on learning in the face of war, which creates internal imbalance but also offers improvement opportunities in various dimensions. The qualitative research is based on the technique of epistolary narrative analysis of 49 letters written by Poles to unknown Ukrainians. The findings (generated code tree) reveal three dimensions of war experiences: the educational lesson in patriotism (the war as a lesson for the people who learn through their own and others’ experiences); the war as a trial prompting support and resistance; an emotional experience marked by shock and chaos. The analysis concludes that the absurdity and horrors of 21st-century war have undermined democratic values, and thus calls on the world’s community to seek mechanisms and strategies revitalized after this drastic war. Learning in crisis situations illustrates how flexible and adaptable human nature is, how society can become more united and ready to take action to protect the common good. The study brings about implications for value formation education, community and solidarity building, as well as emotional and psychological insights into the tolls of war, helping to address the issues of war trauma and psychological well-being.
... Despite its extensive exploration, there's a noticeable gap in understanding how to incorporate it within diverse cultural and spiritual practices. The essence of gratitude spans across personal, interpersonal, and transpersonal dimensions (e.g., Elfers & Hlava, 2016;Hlava & Elfers, 2014), showcasing its role as a foundational spiritual quality that crosses religious boundaries (e.g., Emmons, 2012;Emmons & Stern, 2013). It's depicted as "a natural human response to benevolence" and a means to connect with humanity at large (Emmons & Afshar, 2021, p. 7). ...
In the context of today’s globalized world, marked by heightened awareness of interconnected social challenges, this paper explores the integration of ecospiritual approach into social work practice and education. Recognizing spirituality as a universal aspect of human experience, the authors advocate for a spiritually sensitive approach to social work, emphasizing the search for meaning, purpose, and connectedness. Central to this discussion is the ecospiritual approach, which challenges Western paradigms of individualism and capitalism by embracing interconnectedness and interdependent relationships. This approach is exemplified through the exploration of Buddhism, African spiritual philosophy, and Won Buddhism, particularly focusing on concepts of Interbeing, Ubuntu, and the Fourfold Grace. This paper highlights the relevance of the Fourfold Grace and gratitude practices in Won Buddhism for building the ecospiritual framework into practice, emphasizing their potential to enhance knowledge and practice integrity in the field. The overarching goal is to promote collective awareness and commitment, advanced practices toward the advancement of social work, social justice, and a sustainable well-being society. The future directions in this paper share thoughtful visions and hopes.
... Gratitude is a positive psychological resource that has been conceptualized as a set of emotions, thoughts, and actions that can be activated and sustained by the acceptance and recognition of unearned or unanticipated benefits that promote well-being, strengthen relationships, and support personal goals [19]. Gratitude has also been described as an overall life orientation [20,21] with some individuals having what McCullough and colleagues describe as a natural tendency towards gratitude or a grateful disposition [22]. ...
Gratitude is a well-known and researched internal positive psychological resource. Empirical data, however, on the association between gratitude, meaning in life, and burden in family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease is scant. The aims of this study were to (1) investigate the relationships among these variables in a sample of family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s; and (2) determine if gratitude mediates the effects of perceived burden on meaning in life in this population. One-hundred and twenty-six adult family caregivers, most of whom were an intimate partner or adult child of a person with Alzheimer’s, completed the Gratitude Questionnaire-Six Item, the Meaning in Life Questionnaire, the Zarit Burden Inventory, and other relevant measures. A series of OLS regression models, guided by the caregiver stress process model, were conducted. These analyses demonstrated that gratitude was a predictor of the presence of meaning in life among the caregivers in this study even when other key variables were considered. Furthermore, analyses revealed that gratitude fully mediated the effects of caregiver burden on the presence of meaning in life in this sample. Thus, clinicians should consider gratitude as an important internal resource for cultivating meaning in life in this population, especially when caregiver burden is present. Gratitude-bolstering clinical interventions should be further developed and tested as both stand-alone and complimentary additions to empirically supported psychoeducational approaches for supporting health and well-being in this population.
... It's a discipline that asks us to recognise the goodness that people have shown us or the good things in our lives. It encompasses both the act of identifying the positive aspects and their outcome (Emmons & Stern, 2013). ...
In the midst of these complexities, it is critical to comprehend the factors that influence psychological well-being in order to promote holistic development and resilience of college students. Of the many factors that influence psychological well-being, the constructs of gratitude and forgiveness have drawn increasing attention in psychological research. Correlational research design was used in the study by assuming that a relationship could exist between Gratitude, Forgiveness and Psychological Wellbeing among adolescents. The sample consisted of 110 (55 girls and 55 boys) college students. The gratitude scale (Mohammad Anas, Akbar Husain, Asiya Aijaz and Shah Mohammad Khan), Forgiveness Scale (Reginald Amanze and Jerome Carson) and the Psychological Wellbeing Scale (Carol D. Ryff) were used to measure gratitude, forgiveness and psychological wellbeing in an individual. Pearson Product Moment Correlation test indicates significant relationship between gratitude and forgiveness among both girls and boys college students. There is significant relationship between forgiveness and psychological wellbeing, gratitude and psychological wellbeing among girl college students but there is no significant relationship between these variables in boy college students. We may conclude that there is a strong correlation between forgiveness and thankfulness, which emphasises how positive feelings are intertwined. Forgiveness, which is letting go of grudges and offering forgiveness, seems to be strongly related to gratitude, which is defined as acknowledging and appreciating gifts. This implies that those who feel one of these emotions are probably going to feel the other to some degree as well. Higher or lower level of gratitude and forgiveness of an individual will impact the level of psychological wellbeing of an individual and vice-versa.
... According to Carr (2015), gratitude is a psychological as well as a social quality in a human person with a moral purpose. In positive psychology, Emmons and Stern (2013) explains gratitude as a mindful appreciation of the benefit of another person. When assessing gratitude as a virtue, the following four main dimensions are assessed; Understanding of good done (conception of gratitude), emotions associated with gratitude, attitude related to gratitude and gratitude behaviours (Morgan et al., 2017). ...
Gratitude has been found to promote psychological well-being across different populations. However, there is scant of similar studies among school going adolescents from low socioeconomic areas. The current study examined levels of gratitude and psychological well-being among school going adolescents in Kibera slum in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study had the following objectives: To establish the levels of gratitude among the school going adolescents in Kibera Slum, Nairobi County Kenya; To examine the levels of psychological well-being among the school going adolescents in Kibera Slum, Nairobi County Kenya. The study employed descriptive research design. The Target population was 853 students in low income in Kibera slum. A sample size of 265 was selected using random sampling to participate in the study. The study employed Gratitude Scale and Psychological well-being Scale to collect data. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results showed that 80% of school going adolescentshad low levels of gratitude, 17.7% adolescents had moderate levels of grtitude and 2.3% adolescents high levels of gratitude. In regard to levels of psychological well-being, the results showed that 20.8% of the school going adolescents had high levesl, 78.5% had average levels and 0.8% had lower levels of psycholoical wellbeing.The study recommends to parents, guidance and counselling teachers and other stakeholders working with adolescents to come up with strstegies of enhancing their gratitude. This is beacuse gratitude can be an intervention on promoting the psychological well-being of adolescents in secondary schools.
... Bersyukur membantu mengatasi tekanan sehari-hari, meningkatkan resiliensi serta kesehatan dari dan imunitas seseorang [23].Fitch-Martin [24] juga mengungkapkan bahwa bersyukur merupakan cara yang efektif dalam karena kebersyukuran sangat memengaruhi cara seseorang melihat sesuatu. Individu bersifat kebersyukuran biasanya tidak mudah mengalami tekanan, hal ini disebabkan oleh fakta bahwa individu tersebut menunjukkan optimisme terhadap setiap tantangan yang dihadapinya [20]. ...
... A fim de discriminar os efeitos das intervenções positivas de gratidão dos efeitos das intervenções em geral de Psicologia Positiva, bem como entender o fenômeno da gratidão na sua relação com outros construtos da Psicologia, foram desenvolvidos instrumentos para avaliar a gratidão (Emmons & Stern, 2013). O Questionário de Gratidão possui uma estrutura unifatorial com índices adequados de confiabilidade e validade (cfi = 0.95; α = 0.82) em sua versão original em inglês e é o instrumento mais utilizado no mundo. ...
[Português] Este estudo investigou as propriedades psicométricas do Questionário de Gratidão (gq-6) na população brasileira. Participaram 1 850 respondentes com média de idade de 25.13 anos (dp = 5.36), sendo 50 % do sexo feminino e 50 % do sexo masculino e com representação de todos os estados brasileiros. Foram rodadas análises fatoriais exploratória (EFA) e fatorial confirmatória (CFA), e correlações entre gratidão (gq-6) e satisfação com a vida (SWLS), otimismo (LOT-R), esperança (AHS), felicidade subjetiva (SHS), afetos positivos e negativos (PANAS) e personalidade (BFI). Os resultados da EFA e da CFA indicaram uma solução unidimensional com os itens carregando com cargas adequadas (λ > 0.39) no fator e ajuste aceitável para a solução unifatorial (χ2 (9) = 59, p < 0.001; cfi = 0.956, RMSEA = 0.078). As correlações indicaram relações com variáveis externas relevantes. Conclui-se que a escala apresenta evidências de validade e fidedignidade para uso em pesquisa no Brasil. [English: This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Gratitude Questionnaire to Brazilian population. The sample consisted of 1850 participants with a mean age of 25.13 years (SD = 5.36), 50% female and 50% male and the sample represents all Brazilian states. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were run, along with correlations between gratitude (GQ-6) and life satisfaction (SWLS), optimism (LOT-R), hope (AHS), happiness (SHS), positive and negative affects (PANAS), religiosity (DUREL), and personality (BFI). The EFA and CFA results indicated a one-dimensional solution with the items loading satisfactorily (λ > 0.39) in the factor and acceptable fit for the one-factor solution (χ2 (9) = 59, p <0.001; CFI = 0.956, RMSEA = 0.078). Correlations indicate relevant relationships with external variables. In conclusion, the questionnaire shows evidence of validity and reliability for research use in the Brazilian context.]
... Practice gratitude is known to improve sense of well-being, and mental health in general [22,23]. There is growing literature on the inclusion of gratitude practice in psychotherapeutic process and encouraging results in diverse population to counter trauma, burnout, depressive symptoms as well as poor self-esteem [24][25][26]. The practice is very much malleable to be used with most evidencedbased psychotherapeutic practices to improve their outcome, including cognitive behavior therapy, mindfulness-based therapy approaches, and existential therapy. ...
Happiness is a subjective feeling that comprises a sense of contentment, joy, and overall well-being. Amidst our regular, routine, and often complex daily life, the importance of happiness cannot be overstated. It serves as a guiding force, influencing our thoughts, actions, and interactions with the world around us. In the context of daily life, happiness acts as a powerful catalyst, shaping our attitudes and responses to the challenges we encounter. It serves as a motivational force, propelling us forward in the pursuit of our goals and aspirations. When individuals experience a genuine sense of happiness, they often find themselves more resilient in the face of adversity, better equipped to cope with stress, and more inclined to engage in positive behaviors. Moreover, happiness is intricately connected to our physical and mental well-being. Even though it seems obvious that positive emotions have a profound impact on our well-being as well as physical health, it is consistently demonstrated in scientific literature too [1-3]. A joyful disposition can contribute to lower stress levels, enhanced immune function, and even increased longevity.
... In clinical practice, gratitude practices can be a catalytic healing force. Gratitude techniques help subjects experience higher levels of positive thoughts and feelings (i.e., joy, enthusiasm, love, and happiness), allowing them to inhibit destructive impulses [38]. ...
The holistic growth and psychological well-being of people with special needs and disabilities remain high on the priority agenda for sustainable and inclusive education. Digital well-being technologies and especially "smart technologies", are ready to revolutionize mental health interventions by meeting trainees' needs and providing them with more positive and transformative mental, emotional, and social experiences. Meta-skills refer to a set of consciousness-raising competences that incorporate meta-cognitive, social-emotional, and motivational attributes, allowing individuals to intentionally achieve a state of optimal functioning. Although positive psychology and well-being technologies are considered promising intervention approaches, there is less knowledge regarding the effectiveness of such interventions among people with special needs and disabilities, especially in the crucial domain of meta-skills development. Thus, the current systematic review aims to examine positive psychology strategies as well as the synergy with well-being technologies in the development of metacognition, emotional intelligence, and motivation meta-skills in populations with special training needs and disabilities. The PRISMA methodology was utilized to answer the research questions. A total of forty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria. The results indicated that positive psychology strategies improved a wide range of meta-skills, including self-regulation, emotional control, behavioral control, inhibition control, self-awareness, intrapersonal skills, interpersonal skills, adaptation, goal setting, and self-compassion. Artificial intelligence tools, wearables, smart applications , immersive technologies (virtual and augmented reality), neurofeedback and biofeedback technologies, as well as digital games were found to effectively assist such training programs. The results of the current review may provide positive feedback in the discussion about digitally-aided mental health interventions for training the meta-skills of mental and emotional health.
p>Kerelawanan tidak hanya berguna untuk penerima manfaat tapi juga untuk para relawan yang berperan. Dengan membantu orang lain, relawan dinilai dapat meningkatkan rasa syukur. Kemampuan untuk merasa bersyukur memiliki manfaat positif terhadap kondisi psikologis individu. Penelitian ini melibatkan 108 relawan di Indonesia untuk melihat hubungan antara fungsi motivasi menjadi relawan dan bersyukur. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian kuantitatif dengan cara pengambilan data menggunakan kuesioner online . Selain melihat hubungan antara fungsi motivasi menjadi relawan dengan bersyukur, penelitian ini juga bertujuan untuk mencari tahu lebih bagaimana korelasi antara durasi menjadi relawan dan fungsi motivasi dengan bersyukur. Hasil menunjukan bahwa terdapat korelasi positif antara fungsi motivasi protective (r=0,309; p< 0,05) , value (r=0,248; p< 0,05) , dan social (r=0,202; p< 0,05) dengan bersyukur. Selain itu, tidak ada perbedaan tingkat motivasi relawan Indonesia dari segi jenis kelamin dan durasi menjadi relawan. Penelitian ini diharapkan dapat mendukung riset sebelumnya yang menunjukan bahwa kerelawanan dapat dijadikan alternatif aktivitas yang bermanfaat bagi kesehatan mental individu.
</p
This qualitative research study examines the views and experiences of gratitude among Muslims and non-Muslims. Using a purposive sampling way, the study recruited 20 people, consisting of 15 Muslims and 5 Non Muslims, who are between 18 and 23 years of age. By using semi-structured interviews, the participants were asked to reflect in detail about their experiences of gratitude, how they express and show it, and what causes them to feel grateful, thus enabling a richer understanding of this phenomenon. Several key themes emerged from the thematic analysis of the interviews, such as the differing attitudes towards gratitude in Muslims versus non Muslims, the prevalence of gratitude in almost all facets of life, and the ability to foster feelings of gratitude through difficult life situations. Further, the study showed the important role of religion on gratitude, where respondents revealed that they often performed religious acts like praying as a form of being thankful. This study provides an in-depth understanding of the phenomena associated with subjective experiences of gratitude and emphasizes the significance of fostering gratefulness as a means to attain a more purposeful life.
Background
Gratitude at work is defined as the tendency to notice and appreciate aspects of work, how it affects one's life. Studies show that gratitude education can alleviate individual burnout and increase the ability to resist pressure, but it is not clear whether gratitude intervention can improve individual job involvement.
Objective
The purpose of this study is to determine whether gratitude intervention can reduce stress, job burnout and enhance job involvement of new nurses.
Methods
A randomized controlled trial was conducted from September 2020 to September 2021. A total of 118 new nurses in China were randomly divided into gratitude group and control group by random number table method. The control group received routine training for new nurses, and the intervention group received, in addition, a gratitude intervention for 2 months. The primary outcome measure was the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale-9 score (UWES-9). Secondary outcome indicators were Gratitude Questionnaire score (GQ-6), The Perceived Stress Scale score (PSS), and Maslach Burnout Inventory score (MBI). This study was reported using the CONSORT checklist.
Results
A total of 118 new nurses were included. The scores of UWES-9 scale of the gratitude group were significantly higher than those in the control group immediately after intervention, 3 months and 6 months after intervention, as the main observation index. Among the secondary outcome indicators, GQ-6 and MBI Personal Accompli-shment scores in the gratitude group were significantly higher than those in the control group immediately after intervention and 3 months after intervention. The PSS, MBI-Emotional Exhaustion and Depersonalization scores in the gratitude group were significantly lower than those in the control group immediately after intervention, 3 months and 6 months after intervention.
Conclusions
Gratitude intervention can effectively improve the level of job involvement and gratitude, reduce stress and burnout of new nurses. However, this was a relatively short follow-up period. Further studies are needed to assess the long-term effects for new nurses.
The study examined the relationship between workplace spirituality and psychosocial safety climate among employees of Indian banks and insurance companies. It also explored the role of gratitude as a moderator in workplace spirituality and psychosocial safety climate. The empirical study measured the following three variables: workplace spirituality, psychosocial safety climate and gratitude. The sample size constituted 317 employees from the Indian banking and insurance sector. The study adopted a regression model that considered three dimensions of workplace spirituality as independent variables and psychosocial safety climate as dependent variables. The relationships between three variables are examined using correlation and multiple regression, and the moderation effect of gratitude is studied using the PROCESS macro in SPSS 21. The results revealed that three dimensions of workplace spirituality are significant predictors of psychosocial safety climate and could explain 61.2% of variations in psychosocial safety climate. It is observed that the workplace spirituality regression weight increases from 0.389 to 0.559 on interacting with gratitude; thus, there is a significant moderating effect of gratitude amid the relationships of three dimensions of workplace spirituality and psychosocial safety climate. Also, if employees display gratuitous behaviour, it will enhance the impact of workplace spirituality on the workplace’s psychosocial safety climate at Indian banking and insurance companies.
Objective
To investigate the effectiveness of a guided, internet- and smartphone-based gratitude intervention on the transdiagnostic risk-factor ‘repetitive negative thinking’. The multicomponent intervention integrates a variety of gratitude exercises, targeting the cognitive, emotional and behavioural facets of gratitude.
Method
Two hundred adults with pronounced repetitive negative thinking were recruited from the general population. Participants were randomly assigned to either a four-session guided gratitude intervention (n = 100) or waiting list (n = 100). The primary outcome was repetitive negative thinking three months after randomization, with exploratory assessments at six weeks and six months, the latter just for participants in the intervention group.
Results
Following the intention-to-treat principle, by analyses of covariance (ANCOVA), the gratitude intervention group exhibited significantly lower levels of repetitive negative thinking than controls at three months, with d = 0.66, 95 % CI [0.37, 0.94] maintained at six-month follow-up. Significant and meaningful beneficial effects were observed in symptoms of depression (d = 0.42) and generalized anxiety (d = 0.38). These effects were notably stronger in intervention completers who finished at least three sessions.
Conclusions
Results suggest that a multicomponent gratitude intervention is effective at reducing repetitive negative thinking. Multicomponent interventions may be a next step needed to fully realize the potential of gratitude interventions. Such interventions could expand the repertoire of transdiagnostic interventions, especially for repetitive negative thinking. Furthermore, due to its positive connotations, gratitude is a candidate for an indirect intervention aimed at reducing the burden of depression in the general population.
Trial registration
The study is registered in the German Clinical Trial Register (approved primary register of the WHO) as DRKS00006825. The trial protocol can be assessed at: https://www.drks.de/
The research examines the mediating role of the presence of the meaning of life in the relationship between gratitude and hope and whether this relationship differs because of moving to another city after the earthquake and loss. In the study in which the correlational research model was used, the study group consisted of 443 high school students from different school types who experienced the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquake. The findings indicate that the presence of meaning plays a partial mediating role in the relationship between gratitude and hope. Also, loss due to the earthquake causes significant differences in the relationship between gratitude and hope mediated by the presence of the meaning of life. Additionally, the presence of meaning scores of the participants who lost their nuclear family members or loved ones are lower than those who didn’t. The results show that grateful individuals will feel more hopeful with meaning in their lives.
Purpose
High levels of mental health disorders in students can affect their academic activity. Students should think positively to control the mental health disturbances they experience. This study aims to address the mental health problems of students by increasing their gratitude because gratitude is the key to facing the problems that a person faces. Therefore, the study focuses on finding the influence of gratitude on student mental health disorders.
Design/methodology/approach
The subjects in this study were 420 students in Eastern Kalimantan using quantitative methods with gratitude scales GQ-6 and DASS-21. Data collection method with online questionnaires to be analyzed with regression analysis.
Findings
The findings of this study empirically show that gratitude has a significant and positive effect on mental health (depression, anxiety, and stress). This shows that gratitude has an important effect on mental health in students. If gratitude is higher, then anxiety and stress decreases significantly. This study aims can serve as a foundation for student mental health improvement programs.
Research limitations/implications
This study was cross-sectional, which makes it impossible to conclude a causal relationship between the variables. Therefore, future research should use more advanced research methods, including longitudinal and experimental studies. Another potential limitation that could bias the results is the fact that the data were based solely on self-reports. Then, the study group included a larger proportion of female students than male students.
Practical implications
This study provides a deeper understanding of the importance of gratitude in maintaining mental health. Gratitude has been shown to have a positive correlation with increased psychological well-being, decreased levels of depression and increased resilience in the face of everyday stress and challenges in college students at private univesity and state university.
Originality/value
This research changes students' mindset to always be grateful by thinking positively during the teaching and learning process at university. Many students complain about the current conditions, especially related to study assignments, differences in the teaching and learning process at school. This study is useful for students to reduce mental health disorders at university.
Waste management in the city of Bandung is managed by making several temporary shelters (TPS) and final disposal sites (TPA). One of the polling stations whose performance has decreased is the Gedebage TPS. This exploration is the consequence of the advancement of community service which is carried out to overcome the stress level of the performance of the waste transporter field officers. To complete this research, the method used is a quantitative method, where the object to be studied is the role of work stress management training in improving
The COVID-19 outbreak significantly impacted every aspect of life. It disrupted dayto-day activities, including social interactions, education, health, employment, safety, nutrition, politics, and economic activities. This disruption had a severe impact on individuals’ well-being. This study examined how people used different coping strategies to enhance their well-being. Bibliometric mapping was carried out for this investigation, and the data was retrieved from the SCOPUS database. This database was chosen due to its wide use in social sciences and humanities. We searched the Scopus electronic database for literature published until December 2022 to find relevant studies. A total of 5767 documents were found to be relevant to the theme undertaken for the study. Different coping strategies, such as being grateful to others and God, cultivating spiritual values (i.e., compassion, honesty), maintaining calmness and selfcontrol through equanimity, preparing a gratitude journal, having hope and existential thinking, finding inspiration from cetaceans, managing stress through breathing, strength, and serenity, practising walking meditation, and fostering global togetherness, played a buffering role against stressors and stressful reactions during the COVID-19 pandemic. By practising these psychosocial and spiritual strategies, individuals improved their well-being even during the challenging period of the pandemic, lockdowns, and economic crisis. Keywords: COVID-19 Pandemic, Coping Strategies, Managing Stress, Traumatic Events
This longitudinal study with female youth in the slums of Kampala, Uganda (n=130), explored the impact of the Transcendental Meditation ® (TM ®) technique on self-esteem, the primary outcome measure, and self-efficacy, gratitude, hope, tiredness, and resilience as secondary outcomes. Quality-of-life behaviors were also assessed, including excessive alcohol use. After baseline testing participants learned TM over five consecutive days. Participants practiced TM at home for 20 minutes twice a day and attended two follow-up sessions. Post-testing occurred at five months. Significant improvements in self-esteem (p < .001), self-efficacy (p < .001), gratitude (p < .001), and tiredness (p = .05) were found. A decrease in excessive alcohol use was also observed (p =.02). At eight months a short answer questionnaire showed improved physical health, decreased stress and anxiety levels, and improved relationships in the family and community. Our findings have important implications for enhancing well-being and empowerment of these vulnerable female youth. Funding Funding for this research was provided by the Rona and Jeffrey Abramson Foundation. This study involves female youth, age 13-26, who are living in poverty conditions in the slums of Kampala, Uganda. These young women are representative of the millions of women and girls living in poverty in the world, who face great challenges on a daily basis. We chose this age-range because they are at a critical stage in their growth and development, when they are exploring and developing their personal identity and self-concept that will guide them throughout their lives. Our focus on female youth in Uganda addresses the need to increase their well-being 1 and empowerment. Our aim was to evaluate the potential of the Transcendental Meditation ® (TM ®) technique as a tool for organizations around the world, whose mission is to help empower young women with the ability to improve their quality of life. We propose that the TM program is a valuable modality to help female youth living in poverty to develop empowerment from within themselves, and to shift the challenging course of their lives toward a brighter future. Background and Setting
When we become accustomed to gratitude, we will no longer need a special occasion to make us happy, and we will become more aware of the goodness and positive things that happen around us. The current study aimed to reveal the correlation between gratitude and both happiness and life satisfaction. It also aimed to reveal the effectiveness of gratitude interventions in improving happiness and life satisfaction among university students. The number of members of the basic study sample was (600) male and female students (200 males, 400 females), and the number of the therapeutic study sample was (20) students, who were randomly distributed into two experimental and control groups, each of which consisted of (5 males, 5 females). The study relied on the following tools: The Gratitude Questionnaire (GQ-6), the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (OHQ), the Satisfaction with Life Scale (translated by the researcher), and a counseling program based on gratitude interventions (planned and implemented by the researcher). In analyzing the study data, the researcher relied on IBM SPSS V26. The results of the study found that there was a positive, statistically significant correlation at the level of (0.01) between the students’ scores on the gratitude scale and their scores on the happiness and life satisfaction scale, where the correlation coefficient values for each of them reached, respectively, (0.414, 0.389). The results of the therapeutic study concluded that there was Statistically significant differences at the level of (0.01) between the average ranks of the scores of the students of the control and experimental groups in the post-measurement of the total score of the gratitude scale in favor of the post-measurement. The value of “Z” was (3.11), which is a statistically significant value at the level of significance (0.01), as revealed by the size equation. Effect (r), and Cohen's equation (d): There is a significant effect of the counseling program based on gratitude interventions in developing gratitude among members of the experimental group, where the value of the effect size (r) reached (0.695), and the value of the effect size (d) reached (8.18). The effect size equation (r) and Cohen’s equation (d) also revealed the presence of a significant impact of the counseling program based on gratitude interventions in developing gratitude among members of the experimental group, as the effect size value reached (0.695) (r), and the effect size value reached (8.18) (d). It also found that there were statistically significant differences between the average ranks of the scores of the experimental group and the control group on the life satisfaction and happiness scales in favor of the experimental group.
The Covid-19 outbreak increased the importance of dispositional qualities and easy-to-use self-help strategies to promote mental well-being. Previous research indicate that disposition to gratitude enhances well-being by protecting mental health. However, evidence for the efficacy of gratitude-inducing interventions in preventing psychological problems is mixed. Further, data on the gratitude-well-being link under Covid-19 circumstances are inconclusive. In the present reseach, we examined the role of trait gratitude and gratitude-listing intervention in alleviating future anxiety during the pandemic, and the mediating role of perceived realistic and symbolic threats from Covid-19. In the first study, a correlational study (N = 405), participants rated the predictor and outcome measures—the scales of gratitude, future anxiety, and perceived realistic and symbolic threats from Covid-19. In the second study, a pretest-posttest intervention study (N = 150), participants were randomized to list grateful experiences or important daily life events every two days for a month, or to complete only the pretest and posttest measures. Results indicated that disposition to gratitude was associated with lower future anxiety (study-1), whereas the gratitude-listing intervention did not reduce this anxiety (study-2). Furthermore, in both studies, the perceived Covid-19 threats did not mediate the relationship between gratitude and future anxiety. Exploratory qualitative analyses of participants’ gratitude lists and feedback in the second study showed that the pandemic situation hindered the benefits of the intervention. Overall, the results suggest that trait gratitude is more strongly associated with alleviation of psychological distress during the Covid-19 pandemic than gratitude listing. This supports the accumulating data that gratitude interventions, while beneficial for well-being, have limited effectiveness in reducing symptoms of ill-being, such as anxiety.
People attend more to disadvantages in their lives than to advantages, a phenomenon known as the Headwinds/Tailwinds Asymmetry. In seven studies ( N = 1,526), we present an important caveat to this pattern: When people do notice and acknowledge their advantages, they mostly focus on the benefits they receive from other people (i.e., interpersonal benefits), as opposed to benefits they receive because of their demographics, personal traits, and life circumstances (i.e., circumstantial benefits). We demonstrate that people notice and remember others who helped them rather than hurt them and that they notice the help they receive from people more than from favorable, non-interpersonal factors. Finally, we find that the tendency to notice interpersonal advantages is related to a social norm requiring people to acknowledge helpful others (but not other advantages) and that changing the salience of this norm affects people’s likelihood of acknowledging the support they have received from others.
Noting the popular psychology embrace of “self-care,” in this study, we sought to assess the relationship between self-care behaviors and symptoms of depression and anxiety in school psychology graduate students. Participants were recruited from the National Association of School Psychology (NASP) approved graduate training programs. A total of 318 school psychology graduate students at the master’s, specialist, and doctoral levels completed our survey. School psychology graduate students most frequently engage in psychological and relational self-care practices, like maintaining meaningful relationships and allowing themselves to be uncertain. They are least commonly engaging in spiritual self-care practices, such as attending religious services and advocacy work. We found significant relationships between engagement in self-care behaviors and decreased symptoms of depression and anxiety. The results of this study have implications for trainers of school psychology to model and teach self-care, and for school psychologists in training and in practice to engage in self-care behaviors.
In 2019, the World Health Organization urged a global shift towards recovery‐focused practices in mental health care. In Western nations, this transition often prioritised individualism over collectivism. In contrast, collectivist societies prioritise recovery through community and social support. This study explored mental health recovery from the perspectives of consumers, carers and registered nurses in a mainly collectivist society (Saudi Arabia) using a qualitative exploratory descriptive design. Sixteen consumers, ten carers and eight registered nurses participated in online semi‐structured interviews. Inductive thematic analysis was employed to analyse English‐translated versions of the 34 interviews. Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative studies 32‐item checklist were used. The study found that recovery was perceived as a process of transforming towards living a meaningful life of goals and values supported by trusted people who share moments of comfort and empowerment. A unique finding was the ‘bond of recovery’ a collectivist value that aid consumers' community integration in society. Saudi consumers' experiences of recovery were similar to consumers' movement narratives of recovery. Future research should establish a recovery‐focused educational program that incorporates our findings into a recovery‐oriented approach. This will facilitate providing a collaborative care between consumers, carers and nurses that centres around consumers' recovery goals and values.
This protocol investigates the efficacy of a mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) program named BAMBOO. The goal of this program is to increase resilience and mental well-being among refugees. In recent years, there has been an increasing number of refugees fleeing to Europe and applying for permanent residence. In the Netherlands, a wide variety of programs that focus on increasing mental well-being among refugees is available. BAMBOO is a strengths-based intervention, which consists of five weekly two-hour group-based sessions. It is based on the theoretical framework of positive psychology and adapted according to the guidelines for the implementation of culturally sensitive cognitive behavioral therapy among refugees. The program does not focus on the treatment of trauma, mental disorders, or underlying problems, but aims to increase factors such as personal strengths, positive emotions, positive relations, and self-esteem. The first version of the program (BAMBOO 1.0) has been conducted at over 50 asylum centers in the Netherlands since January 2020. In the time period from September 2020 to September 2022, qualitative and quantitative data were collected among BAMBOO trainers and participants and the program was adapted, leading to a revised version (BAMBOO 2.0). A single-blinded parallel pilot randomized controlled trial, with an intervention group and awaiting list control group, with 34 participants per group will be used to test the program’s efficacy. Outcomes include resilience, satisfaction with life, positive and negative affect, and self-esteem. The study will be conducted among adult Arabic speaking refugees, residing at an asylum center in the Netherlands and/ or in a Dutch municipality, Baseline, post-intervention, and five-week follow-up assessments will be conducted. This paper describes the protocol for the evaluation of a novel and culturally adapted program. The study will shed light on the efficacy of a culturally sensitive strengths-based intervention as a preventive approach to increase refugee well-being. ERB Tilburg University, TSB RP623.
In four studies, the authors examined the correlates of the disposition toward gratitude. Study 1 revealed that self-ratings and observer ratings of the grateful disposition are associated with positive affect and well-being prosocial behaviors and traits, and religiousness/spirituality. Study 2 replicated these findings in a large nonstudent sample. Study 3 yielded similar results to Studies 1 and 2 and provided evidence that gratitude is negatively associated with envy and materialistic attitudes. Study 4 yielded evidence that these associations persist after controlling for Extraversion/positive affectivity, Neuroticism/negative affectivity, and Agreeableness. The development of the Gratitude Questionnaire, a unidimensional measure with good psychometric properties, is also described.
We assessed transgressors’ (20 male, 20 female) subjective emotions and physiological responses in two complementary within-subjects imagery studies. In Study I, participants ruminated about a real-life transgression and imagined seeking forgiveness from the victim. In Study II, participants imagined their victims responding with a grudge, with genuine forgiveness, and with reconciliation. Imagery of forgiveness-seeking behaviors (Study I) and merciful responses from victims (forgiveness and reconciliation in Study II) prompted greater perceived interpersonal forgiveness, improved basic emotions (e.g., sadness, anger, fear) and moral emotions (e.g., guilt, shame, gratitude, empathy, hope), as well as less furrowing of the brow muscle (corrugator) compared to ruminations about one’s real-life transgression (Study I) or an unforgiving response from the victim (Study II). Autonomic nervous system measures (heart rate, skin conductance levels) were largely unaffected by imagery. In Study II, smiling activity (zygomatic EMG) increased more when imagining victims’ merciful versus begrudging responses. In Study I, participants reported higher self-forgiveness during forgiveness-seeking imagery, but perceived greater divine forgiveness during transgression-focused imagery.
Forgiveness and gratitude represent positive psychological responses to interpersonal harms and benefits that individuals have experienced. In the present article we first provide a brief review of the research that has shown forgiveness and gratitude to be related to various measures of physical and psychological well-being. We then review the empirical findings regarding the cognitive and affective substrates of forgiveness and gratitude. We also offer a selective review of some of the interventions that appear to be effective in encouraging forgiveness and gratitude. To conclude, we suggest some ways in which the insights from the basic research on promoting forgiveness and gratitude might be meaningfully integrated into cognitive psychotherapy.
Positive affects in the context of positive dyadic interactions are fundamental to mental health and the development of the self; the authors consider them from within accelerated experiential dynamic psychotherapy (AEDP), an attachment and emotion model of psychotherapy. The authors explore 3 phenomenological, affective, and behavioral sets of positive affects—mastery affects, healing affects, and core state—and understand their adaptive value by referencing the realms of attachment, intersubjectivity, and affective neuroscience. In the context of a positive coordinated therapeutic relationship, the authors detail an experiential process in which the dyadic regulation of painful emotion naturally culminates in the emergence of positive affects and positive emotional states, which, in turn, are vehicles for accessing the emotional resources associated with resilient functioning and emotional flourishing. Detailed transcripts from 2 videotaped sessions are microanalyzed to delineate the moment-to-moment phenomenology and dynamics of the AEDP therapeutic process and to document the spontaneous emergence of these positive affective phenomena in a context designed to make the most of their therapeutic effectiveness.
Morita and Naikan therapies from Japan are being introduced into the US, though some cultural modifications have been required. These therapies are summarized, and their indigenous psychological roots are explored. The utilization of Western therapies, particularly psychoanalysis, in Japan is examined for fit in Japanese culture. A comparison of the indigenous Japanese therapies with Western therapies highlights differences and similarities. Cultural differences emerge from this comparison and demonstrate some of the difficulties in importing psychotherapies from other countries. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
Recent scientific work has established both a theoretical basis and strong empirical evidence for a causal impact of social
relationships on health. Prospective studies, which control for baseline health status, consistently show increased risk of
death among persons with a low quantity, and sometimes low quality, of social relationships. Experimental and quasi-experimental
studies of humans and animals also suggest that social isolation is a major risk factor for mortality from widely varying
causes. The mechanisms through which social relationships affect health and the factors that promote or inhibit the development
and maintenance of social relationships remain to be explored.
In four studies, the authors examined the correlates of the disposition toward gratitude. Study I revealed that self-ratings and observer ratings of the grateful disposition are associated with positive affect and well-being, prosocial behaviors and traits, and religiousness/spirituality. Study 2 replicated these findings in a large nonstudent sample. Study 3 yielded similar results to Studies I and 2 and provided evidence that gratitude is negatively associated with envy and materialistic attitudes. Study 4 yielded evidence that these associations persist after controlling for Extraversion/positive affectivity. Neuroticism/negative affectivity, and Agreeableness. The development of the Gratitude Questionnaire, a unidimensional measure with good psychometric properties, is also described.
The effect of a grateful outlook on psychological and physical well-being was examined. In Studies 1 and 2, participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 experimental conditions (hassles, gratitude listing, and either neutral life events or social comparison); they then kept weekly (Study 1) or daily (Study 2) records of their moods, coping behaviors, health behaviors, physical symptoms, and overall life appraisals. In a 3rd study, persons with neuromuscular disease were randomly assigned to either the gratitude condition or to a control condition. The gratitude-outlook groups exhibited heightened well-being across several, though not all, of the outcome measures across the 3 studies, relative to the comparison groups. The effect on positive affect appeared to be the most robust finding. Results suggest that a conscious focus on blessings may have emotional and interpersonal benefits.
Positive psychology has flourished in the last 5 years. The authors review recent developments in the field, including books, meetings, courses, and conferences. They also discuss the newly created classification of character strengths and virtues, a positive complement to the various editions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (e. g., American Psychiatric Association, 1994), and present some cross-cultural findings that suggest a surprising ubiquity of strengths and virtues. Finally, the authors focus on psychological interventions that increase individual happiness. In a 6-group, random-assignment, placebo-controlled Internet study, the authors tested 5 purported happiness interventions and 1 plausible control exercise. They found that 3 of the interventions lastingly increased happiness and decreased depressive symptoms. Positive interventions can supplement traditional interventions that relieve suffering and may someday be the practical legacy of positive psychology.
The effect of a grateful outlook on psychological and physical well-being was examined. In Studies 1 and 2, participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 experimental conditions (hassles, gratitude listing, and either neutral life events or social comparison); they then kept weekly (Study 1) or daily (Study 2) records of their moods, coping behaviors, health behaviors, physical symptoms, and overall life appraisals. In a 3rd study, persons with neuromuscular disease were randomly assigned to either the gratitude condition or to a control condition. The gratitude-outlook groups exhibited heightened well-being across several, though not all, of the outcome measures across the 3 studies, relative to the comparison groups. The effect on positive affect appeared to be the most robust finding. Results suggest that a conscious focus on blessings may have emotional and interpersonal benefits.
Gratitude, like other positive emotions, has inspired many theological and philosophical writings, but it has inspired very little vigorous, empirical research. In an effort to remedy this oversight, this book brings together prominent scientists from various disciplines to examine what has become known as the most-neglected emotion. The volume begins with the historical, philosophical, and theoretical foundations of gratitude, and then presents the current research perspectives from social, personality, and developmental psychology, as well as from primatology, anthropology, and biology. The volume also includes a comprehensive, annotated bibliography of research on gratitude. This work contributes a great deal to the growing positive psychology initiative and to the scientific investigation of positive human emotions. It will be an invaluable resource for researchers and students in social, personality, developmental, clinical, and health psychology, as well as to sociologists and cultural anthropologists.
This introductory chapter explains the coverage of this book, which is about the psychological aspects of gratitude. It discusses the reasons behind the increased interest in gratitude. These include the focus of the positive psychology movement on human strength and virtues, renewed interest of social scientists in people's religious and spiritual lives and resurgent interest in virtue ethics, a subfield of moral philosophy. This book examines the prosocial contours of gratitude, its origin and its manifestations and development in modern life.
This chapter examines the feeling of being grateful. It suggests feeling grateful is similar to other positive emotions that help build a person's enduring personal resources and broaden an individual's thinking. It describes various ways by which gratitude can transform individuals, organizations, and communities in positive and sustaining ways. It discusses the specific benefits of gratitude including personal and social development, community strength and individual health and well-being.
Lays out the basic components of hopeful thought. In brief, hope is a type of goal-directed thinking in which the protagonists perceive themselves as being capable of producing routes to desired goals, along with the motivations to initiate and sustain usage of those routes. Thus, hope is about pathways and agency. This chapter traces how hope theory developed, and contrasts it with other theories of hope that emerged during the general period from 1960 to 2000. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
Mental health, similar to physical health, has been defined in terms of illness. In the 1960's, interest shifted toward exploring positive mental health. One result was the introduction of the Eastern practice of meditation into Western scientific study. One of the main goals of meditation, to uncover the positive and to catalyze our internal potential for healing and development, has been largely ignored. We focus on the positive aspects of meditation in this chapter. The aim of positive psychology is to catalyze change in psychology from a preoccupation only with repairing the worst things in life to also building the best qualities in life. The field of positive psychology at the subjective level is about positive subjective experience: well-being and satisfaction (past); flow, joy, the sensual pleasures, and happiness (present); and constructive cognitions about the future--optimism, hope, and faith. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
The handbook, woven around the hope theory that has received the most attention in the 1990s, is divided into 6 sections. Two chapters describe the rise and fall of hope—that is, how hope develops normally in children and how it tragically can die for some people in their childhood or adult years. A chapter gives an overview of the various instruments for and approaches to measuring hope. Five chapters deal with how hope theory relates directly to the processes of helping people in general. 11 chapters cover hope theory applied to benefit various people: from children to adolescents to the elderly, minorities, athletes and others. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
114 participants in four groups practiced 25 minutes of progressive muscle relaxation, yoga stretching, imagery, or a control task. Before and after training, participants took state versions of the Smith Quick Stress Test (which measures Somatic Stress, Negative Affect, and Worry) and the Smith R-State Inventory (which measures relaxation-related states Disengagement, Physical Relaxation, Mental Relaxation, Strength and Awareness, Joy, Love and Thankfulness, and Prayerfulness). After training, all took both the Verbal and Figural forms of the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking. At posttest, groups' scores did not differ on Creativity; however, when compared with yoga stretching, imagery trainees had lower posttest scores on Negative Affect. Both yoga stretching and imagery trainees displayed higher scores on self-reported Physical Relaxation than did controls. Progressive muscle relaxation trainees had lower scores on Somatic Stress than controls. Paradoxically, for all relaxation trainees, Disengagement (feeling "distant, far away, indifferent") correlated positively with both Negative Affect and Physical Relaxation, suggesting that disengagement in relaxation may not lead to relaxation-induced anxiety but may help one cope with such anxiety.
Gratitude like other positive emotions, broaden and builds The psychology of gratitude (pp.145–166) Morita and Naikan therapies: American applications
- B L Fredrickson
Fredrickson, B. L. (2004). Gratitude like other positive emotions, broaden and builds. In R. A. Emmons & M. E. McCullough (Eds.), The psychology of gratitude (pp.145–166). New York, NY: Oxford University Press. Hedstrom, L. J. (1994). Morita and Naikan therapies: American applications. Psychotherapy, 31, 154–160.
The return of the prodigal son
- Nouwen
Nouwen, (H). (1992). The return of the prodigal son. New York, NY: Doubleday.
Thanks! How the new science of gratitude can make you happier
- R A Emmons
Emmons, R. A. (2007). Thanks! How the new science of gratitude can make you happier. New York, NY: Houghton-Mifflin.
Naikan psychotherapy: Meditation for self-development
- D K Reynolds
Reynolds, D. K. (1983). Naikan psychotherapy: Meditation for self-development. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press.
Gratitude works! A twenty-one day program for creating emotional prosperity
- R A Emmons