In the past
few decades, psychological scientists have studied gratitude along with other
virtues as part of the broad field known as positive psychology, which focuses
on well-being in contrast to studies of mental disorders. Expressing gratitude
is one of those classic virtues encouraged in many cultures.
Short Summary
Two psychological scientists studied the effects of expressing gratitude over a period of 10 weeks. Those in the gratitude group felt better and had fewer health symptoms than those in other groups.
The Experiment
In 2003,
two psychological scientists published the results of several studies. Robert
Emmons of the University of California, Davis and Michael McCullough of the
University of Miami assigned volunteers to one of three groups, which the
research team called Gratitude, Hassles, and Events. The study required 10
weekly reports. Here’s what the scientists told each group.
Gratitude
group
The
gratitude group were asked to think about their past week and list as many as
five things that they were thankful for. Some were thankful for their parents,
others for a music group, and others expressed thanks to God.
Hassles group
The
researchers explained that hassles were those things in life that irritate us
at home, school, work and so forth. They were asked to think about their day
and list up to five hassles. For example, one listed a “horrible test” and
another noted “stupid people driving.”
Events
group
The
volunteers in the events group were asked to list five events that had an
impact on them in the past week. One cleaned a closet and another listed a
flight. Overall, 40% listed pleasant events, 30% unpleasant, and the rest were
rated as neutral.
Assessment
Each week,
the researchers asked the volunteers to rate their mood and health. They
collected comments about their feelings and a range of physical symptoms like
pain and upset stomach. Other questions asked how they responded to any help
they received and their overall wellbeing.
The Results
After creating a measure of gratitude from all the data collected, they
compared the ratings for the groups using a one-way
ANOVA. The high score obtained by the gratitude writing group was
significantly higher than for those in the hassles group but not more than
those in the events group.
Feelings: The groups were not significantly different
on their ratings of positive or negative feelings.
Wellbeing: The gratitude group had significantly higher
ratings.
Expectations: The gratitude group had significantly
higher ratings.
Physical health
Symptoms: The gratitude group reported significantly fewer symptoms.
Exercise: The gratitude group spent much more time exercising than those in the
hassle group.
Response to help: Those who reported grateful responses
to receiving help also reported higher overall wellbeing.
Read
more about gratitude and other virtues in Living
Well: 10 Big Ideas of Faith and a Meaningful Life. Buy on AMAZON
Reference
Emmons,
R. A., & McCullough, M. E. (2003). Counting blessings versus burdens:
Experimental studies of gratitude and subjective well-being in daily life. Journal of Personality and Social
Psychology, 84, 377-389. [See study one.]
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