Gratitude

What is Gratitude and Why Does It Matter?

Gratitude, a feeling of appreciation for another’s kindness or generosity, comes from the Latin word gratus, meaning ‘pleasing’ or ‘thankful.’ This simple yet profound emotion has been woven into the fabric of various world religions and philosophical traditions. But what exactly does it mean to be grateful? Is it just a fleeting feeling, or can it have lasting impacts on our lives?

Gratitude in Religion and Philosophy

In Judaism, gratitude is an essential part of worship and daily life, with the Hebrew Scriptures filled with expressions of thanksgiving. In Christianity, gratitude is seen as a virtue that shapes emotions, thoughts, actions, and deeds. Pope Francis notes that learning to say ‘thank you’ is a lesson from family life. The Eucharist, a rite in Orthodox, Catholic, Lutheran, and Anglican churches, means thanksgiving.

In Islam, gratitude is emphasized with the term Alhamdulillah (praise be to God), and being grateful is considered one of the four beloved words of Allah. Islamic teaching emphasizes that those who are grateful will be rewarded, and practices like daily prayer and fasting encourage believers to express gratitude.

The Psychology of Gratitude

Psychology studies the short-term experience of gratitude and its therapeutic benefits. Philosophical approaches explore gratitude’s role in normative ethics, applied ethics, and political philosophy. Religious approaches find that spirituality can enhance gratitude, and it is prized in Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, Jewish, Baháʼí, and Hindu traditions.

Individual differences in gratitude exist, measured by scales such as GQ6, Appreciation Scale, and GRAT, which assess aspects like frequency, intensity, and expression of gratitude. Research shows that gratitude is associated with well-being, including positive emotions, reduced negative emotions, and improved life satisfaction.

The Benefits of Gratitude

Grateful people have better relationships, higher happiness levels, lower stress and depression, and improved physical well-being. They are more likely to have good health outcomes, such as regular exercise, healthy eating, and reduced healthcare visits. Gratitude also makes people more altruistic, leading to increased economic generosity, empathy, and social reciprocity.

A study on migrant adolescents found that gratitude serves and challenges intergenerational relations after migration. When expectations of return from the benefactor increase, indebtedness increases but gratitude decreases. Several psychological interventions have been developed to increase gratitude, including writing about someone for whom you are grateful and delivering a letter to someone who is not present.

Gratitude in Practice

A study on mental health counseling found that practicing gratitude led to better mental health outcomes compared to other conditions. The studies suggest that gratitude may help the brain react more sensitively to experiences of gratitude, leading to improved well-being. The positive psychology movement has incorporated exercises to increase gratitude as a way to improve overall well-being.

Description & contents summarizing scientific studies by Robert A. Emmons:

• The Little Book of Gratitude (2016) – Focuses on the practice of gratitude for happiness and well-being.
• Gratitude Works! (2013) – Presents a 21-day program to create emotional prosperity through gratitude.
• Thanks! How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier (2007) – Explains the scientific basis for gratitude and its benefits on happiness.
• Words of gratitude for mind, body, and soul (2001) – Examines the impact of gratitude practices on physical and mental health.
• The Psychology of Ultimate Concerns: Motivation and spirituality in personality (1999) – Investigates the role of ultimate concerns and motivation in personality development. ISBN 978-1-57230-456-7

Further Reading on Gratitude

Kenner, Ellen (2020). ‘How to Savor Gratitude and Disarm ‘Gratitude Traps”. This book offers insights into the practice of gratitude and how to avoid common pitfalls.

Nelson, Kristi (2020). Wake Up Grateful: The Transformative Practice of Taking Nothing for Granted. ISBN 978-1-63586-244-7 – A guide to cultivating a grateful mindset in daily life.

Grateful Living, founded by Br. David Steindl-Rast – Offers resources and practices for integrating gratitude into your life.

Gratitude is not just a fleeting emotion; it’s a powerful tool for enhancing our lives. By practicing gratitude, we can improve our mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. So why wait? Start your journey today by expressing thanks for the small things in life. After all, as the saying goes, ‘gratitude turns what we have into enough.’