Journal of Positive Psychology & Wellbeing http://journalppw.

com
2023, Vol. 7, No. 3, 192-205 ISSN 2587-0130

The Scientific Effects Of Gratitude: A Review

Nour Abdullah

American Heritage School

12200 W Broward Blvd, Plantation, FL 33325
Email:[email protected]

Abstract
Objective: to examine the scientific evidence of the impact of gratitude on the body, including the
psychological and physical benefits. The focus of the review was directed towards the impact of gratitude
on happiness and depression, in addition to the changes that were observed in the brain using magnetic
resonance imaging, as well as, the scientifically-based gratitude practices. Methods: Data was collected and
analyzed from the following databases: PubMed, Taylor, and Francis Online, NCBI, and ProQuest. Specific
effects of gratitude in controlled studies were discussed. Results: The well-rounded results strongly
confirmed that scientific evidence supported the benefits of gratitude and was consistent with the hypothesis
that gratitude has a positive impact on the mind and body. Furthermore, the active practice of gratitude was
found to stimulate the neurological functions controlling positive emotions and social interactions, impact
the physiology of the heart while also increasing the feeling of happiness and decreasing depressive
symptoms. Conclusion: Gratitude is associated with greater physical and psychological health. This was
supported by scientifically based evidence including function magnetic resonance imaging, heart rate, and
validated questionnaires for depression and anxiety. Incorporating gratitude practices such as writing a
gratitude list is a useful element in the improvement of well-being while promoting mental and physical
health.

Keywords: gratitude, mental health, physical health, neurological functions, well-being.

Introduction Historically, gratitude is considered a feeling that

Gratitude is generally defined as the state of being generates positivity and is seen to be promoted
thankful and appreciative towards what one has in holidays such as Thanksgiving, as well as, in
or to certain individuals. The Latin word gratia religious teachings. Gratitude has been
found in the word gratitude means graciousness, recognized in several religious faiths including
grace, or gratefulness. Gratitude is shown to Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism,
incorporate these meanings. When the feeling of Hinduism, and several others. In addition to the
gratitude arises, people tend to focus on the emotional state of gratitude, research has started
positive and good in their lives. Gratitude also to focus on gratitude’s several health benefits and
aids individuals in consolidating something to seek scientific evidence to support how people
greater than themselves This may include nature, can cultivate, as well as, learn to practice
a higher power, or even other individuals gratitude (Boggio et al., 2019; Wong et al., 2015).
(“Giving thanks can make you happier,” n.d).

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193 Journal of Positive Psychology & Wellbeing

The mechanism behind the benefits of individual who is lost, or simply opening the door
gratitude are not widely known and until recently for someone (Hill et al., 2013; Deichert et al.,
were not extensively studied. Despite some 2019).
reports showing promising results, several of In turn, studying the health benefits of
these studies were inconclusive or had limited gratitude has been done by investigating self-
data to formulate a final conclusion. Many of reported physical health and symptoms (Hill et al.,
these studies limited their research solely to 2013), as well as, measuring happiness adopted
Europe and North America without branching out by self-reported questionnaires, for example,
to different cultures, limiting the generalizability asking individuals how happy they are. This
of these studies (Wood et al.,2010; Davis et al., evidently invited a variety of answers that are
2016; Dickens, 2017). To further evaluate these seen as inductive reasoning rather than the
missing components, this review sought out preferred form of deductive reasoning but many
randomized clinical trials focussing on the studies lacked more objectively validated scales.
scientifically-backed evidence Similarly, little research has been conducted on
supporting both the psychological and physical evidence linking gratitude and depressive
effects of gratitude. symptoms (Lambert et al., 2010). In order to
Preliminary research has focused on assess valid measurements of happiness and
several of the understudied aspects of gratitude depression as a result of gratitude, this review
on well-being and promising clinical paper proposes to include such research using
interventions have been suggested. As such, scientific measurement scales, and validated
gratitude has started to become recognized in the questionnaires were included. In order to identify
field of research as more than a fleeting emotion. evidence-based research, therefore, this review
A wider conceptualizing of gratitude was focuses on research articles addressing the
developed and scales to assess the different benefits of gratitude on happiness using the
aspects of gratitude following scientifically validated scores:
have been developed (Wood et al., 2010). Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS) and the
In order to evaluate the scientific effects of Depression scale (CES-D). The Happiness Scale
gratitude, earlier reports attempted to identify (SHS) is a self-evaluation that measures the
certain scales that measure gratitude. When overall happiness of an individual. The Center for
attempting to examine the effects of gratitude on Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-
happiness and depression, two main challenges D) is a self-report questionnaire that measures
arise. The first challenge correlates with how to symptoms related to depression (Lambert et al.,
define gratitude during experimental methods 2010, Harbaugh et al., 2014). These scales
and the second challenge is to determine the best provide an accurate and reliable base on the
reliable scales to use for depression and impact of gratitude in correlation to happiness
happiness that corresponds with gratitude. In and depression.
order to measure gratitude, several reports In addition to the research on the
suggested that the display of gratitude towards psychological effects of gratitude on happiness
others is a valuable tool to measure (Lambert et and depression, this review also sought to assess
al., 2010). Some of the investigated methods by studies focusing on its physical effect on brain
which function. Gratitude provokes positive emotion,
gratitude can be expressed include random acts of and since emotions are based on brain released
kindness such as: helping a stranger struggling neurotransmitters such as dopamine and
with carrying bags, donating to charity, aiding an serotonin that are known to increase mood, as

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Nour Abdullah 194

well as, happiness, these neurotransmitters’ roles The focus of this review is to investigate
are crucial in the vertebrate nervous system. In research measuring the benefits of gratitude.
support Specifically, the review intends to illustrate the
of the effect of gratitude on the brain, effects of gratitude on happiness, anxiety,
neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, depression, brain function using fMRI imaging,
and norepinephrine that control emotions, stress and scientifically proven beneficial interventions.
response, and anxiety are impacted by gratitude This review intends to present an appreciation of
on the neurochemical level (Korb, 2015). gratitude as it is strongly relevant to the well-
Therefore, this study sought to review research being and a potential to use simple techniques to
that could depict how brain activities and promote gratitude as a broad wellness and clinical
function scientifically respond to gratitude by intervention. Based on the formulated hypothesis,
demonstrating a change in the function of the scientific research will suggest positive benefits
brain using Functional magnetic resonance of gratitude on the mind and body and will
imaging (fMRI). This is commonly used as a support cultivating evidence-based gratitude
brain technique to depict neural activity in practices on a regular basis. It is anticipated that
relation to the emotionally prominent stimuli. scientific research will
fMRI has been used to analyze the different brain find an association between gratitude and positive
structures and their emotions including happiness and reduced
action in response to emotion and behavior, in depressive symptoms that can have an impact on
particular, the prefrontal cortex (Kini et al., 2015). the functionality of the brain. In addition, the
Since neuroscience studies have suggested implementation of gratitude practices in a simple
that gratitude impacts certain areas in the brain, it and practical manner to promote wellbeing will
has been anticipated that gratitude could be an be determined (Wood et al., 2010, Nezlek et al.,
essential component of the human experience 2016). This paper will examine the scientific
during evolution, as well as, development. As a evidence of the impact of gratitude on the body,
result, some studies have begun exploring the including psychological and physical benefits.
effects of gratitude on child development while The focus will be on the impact of gratitude on
other studies have highlighted genes that may happiness and depression, the changes observed
underlie the propensity to experience gratitude. In in the brain using MRI imaging, and the
addition, it has been increasingly recognized that scientifically-based gratitude practices.
gratitude is likely, therefore to affect cognition
and behavioral structures as it impacts childhood Methods
development, and that practicing gratitude can be An electronic-database search was conducted
learned at a young age. Since gratitude can be a from the following databases: PubMed, NCBI,
component of childhood development, it is, ProQuest, Taylor and Francis. These databases
therefore, were chosen as these are comprehensive and
reasonable to consider that gratitude practices can commonly utilized search engines for scientific
be taught and learned and would significantly research. Search parameters were identified
have an impact on the health of an individual based on the objective of the research proposal
(Cunha et al., 2016; Kyeong et al., 2017; Tsang et and included: Science, gratitude, psychological,
al.). There are several gratitude practices that are physiological, brain function, intervention A
widely advertised, however, the scientifically literature review was conducted using the
proven interventions are the subject of this review parameters listed above. Articles were selected
paper (Heckendorf, et al., 2019). for including the following criteria: randomized

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195 Journal of Positive Psychology & Wellbeing

controlled trials, published in peer-reviewed depression, happiness, and life satisfaction using
journals, focused on adults with measurable the following measures: the positive affect and
outcomes, including control groups those with negative affect schedule (PANAS), center for
quantitative results, and studies conducted epidemiological studies depression scale (CES-
between the years 2010-2020. Articles were then D), subjective happiness scale (SHS), and
analyzed and findings were described as well as satisfaction with life scale (SWLS) at three-point
interpreted. 201 articles were screened for intervals including after the end of the
eligibility. The amount of articles rejected based intervention. The main findings exhibited that the
on title and abstract was 167. Thirty-four of the gratitude intervention increased positive affect,
articles were found to be relevant and retrieved subjective happiness, life satisfaction, and
for full-text review. Thirteen articles were reduced negative mood and depression. Of note,
excluded based on the exclusion criteria and the Gratitude group had a greater change than in
twenty-one articles were left. the control group for positive emotion (Cunha et
al., 2019). Furthermore, a meta-analysis of thirty-
Results eight studies analyzed the outcome effects for
This comprehensive literature review included 21 gratitude versus neutral comparison, gratitude
relevant articles evaluating scientific research on versus negative comparison, and gratitude versus
the effects of gratitude on adults as published positive comparison. The results reiterated that a
between 2010 and 2020. One clinical trial variety of outcomes, specifically happiness are
evaluated the effect of gratitude practices on consistently positively impacted by gratitude
relationship satisfaction between couples. The (Dickens, 2017). An additional study examining
study included 146 participants and was based on the effect of a two-week gratitude list concluded
self-reported global relationship satisfaction that gratitude exercises decreased depression
measures on a scale of zero (not at all important) especially among participants who had high
to six (extremely important). Practicing the depressive symptoms at baseline (Harbaugh and
behavior of praising the other person, predicted Vasey, 2014). A more recent study utilizing a
perception of the other partner’s responsiveness, modern internet-based app for gratitude practices
general positive emotion, and love (Algoe et al., examined the effect of this intervention on the
2016). Another clinical trial evaluated the benefit reduction of a form of psychopathology known as
of gratitude on mental health and wellbeing. This repetitive negative thinking (RNT), a variant of
randomized controlled trial sought to assess the anxiety and depression. The study recruited 260
effect of gratitude on wellbeing in 1,337 participants that were randomized into a five-
participants, randomized into three groups: a week internet and app-based gratitude
gratitude intervention group and two control intervention that includes adherence-focused
groups. The gratitude intervention group was guidance compared to the control group of
asked to write daily lists for fourteen days participants on the waitlist. The main outcome
expressing moments the participants have been measured was based on the reduction in RNT
grateful for during the day. One control group while the other outcomes assessed included
(Hassles group) was asked to write a daily list of resilience factors and other mental health
five annoying situations. The second control problems. Results depicted that the gratitude
group (Neutral group) was asked to write about intervention clearly improved anxiety and
five situations that impacted them whether it was depression overall minimizing RNT. However,
positive or negative. The trial analyzed the the benefit on resilience factors was less apparent
outcome of the gratitude intervention on mood, (Heckendorf et al., 2019). Moreover, another

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Nour Abdullah 196

large clinical trial including 2,973 participants oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) response.
sought to evaluate the mechanisms mediating the The results suggested that gratitude was
effects of gratitude on depressive symptoms. associated with brain activity in the specific
Gratitude was found to have a direct link to the regions of the brain related to positive emotions
improvement of depression, as well as, through and moral experience, including the cingulate and
positive emotions and reframing mechanisms prefrontal cortices (Fox et al., 2015). Another
(Lambert et al., 2012). Equally important, a study study was conducted to evaluate the effect of
of one-hundred twenty-seven college students gratitude on cognitive flexibility, which is an
explored the benefits of gratitude experienced executive function that allows the individual to
when receiving support under a stressful situation switch between a variety of concepts, including
(giving a speech). The results depicted that ninety-five participants divided into two groups.
students who received social support during the The group placed into the gratitude condition was
speech experienced more gratitude and asked to list five events that generated a feeling
significantly less stress than those who did not of gratitude over the past week, while the
receive support (Deichert et al., 2019). Several participants in the control condition group were
additional clinical trials assessed the outcomes of asked to list five events that occurred over the
gratitude on the function of the brain. One study past week. The effect of gratitude on cognitive
utilized a simulation experiment of Holocaust flexibility was measured using an established
survivors using functional MRI resonance task-switching paradigm technique which
imaging (fMRI). The participants were asked to included the Magnitude-Parity Switching Task.
complete an open-ended questionnaire rating The results of this study did not find any benefits
their gratitude during a simulation experience by of gratitude on enhancing cognitive flexibility by
watching a four-phased documentary depicting using the measurement of the task-switching. The
real survivor stories of the Holocaust. The authors indicated possible limitations of the study
participants immersed themselves into this in view of using a single test and concluded that
experience as if it was their own. During the the results came contradictory to the hypothesis
stimuli creation process, the participants were (Hartanto et al., 2017). Another study sought out
asked to imagine receiving specific gifts that to examine whether self-reported propensity
would have helped during a time of high need. As toward gratitude correlates with neural activity on
an example: a bakery leaving a piece of bread fMRI of the brain, specifically focusing on
outside or a fellow prisoner risking their life to changes in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex
steal food for their sick friend. In addition, (VMPFC) which is the medial portion of the
personality questionnaires were completed by prefrontal cortex and serves as a highly
participants to assess how individual differences interconnected region for emotions, decision
in personality affect how a gift was perceived. processing, memory, self-perception, and social
These questionnaires included: Interpersonal behavior. This double-blind study included
Reactivity Index, the Six-Item Gratitude thirty-three participants who were randomly
Questionnaire, the Maslow Need Scale, and the assigned to a gratitude-journal or active-neutral
Big Five Personality Index. In addition, control journal group for the period of three
participants were asked to fill out a homemade weeks using the Gratitude Questionnaire (GQ-6).
questionnaire to analyze their experience in the Participants wrote a journal entry for at least ten
study using a 7-point Likert scale. The fMRI was minutes every evening. Self-reported gratitude
designed to detect the response of participants to was seen to be strongly related to the neural
gratitude using several measures such as blood contrast in the VMPFC regions. These analyses

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197 Journal of Positive Psychology & Wellbeing

supported the hypothesis that gratitude correlates evaluate five different areas of health behavior:
with altruistic tendencies, and impacts value- nutrition, exercise, personal well-being, social
sensitive regions in the brain most significant in well-being, and drug use. The results concluded
the VMPFC region (Karns et al., 2017). that individuals who exhibit more gratitude tend
Moreover, another trial looked to evaluate the to report greater physical health. These outcomes
effect of a gratitude practice consisting of writing were due to not only greater psychological health,
letters and participating in charitable donations but also engagement in healthy activities, and
(experimental group) compared to a controlled willingness to seek aid related to health concerns
group that did not take part in this intervention. (Hill et al., 2013). Another trial used an fMRI and
The trial analyzed the impact of these the measurement of heart rate (HR) to test the
interventions on the neurological activities of the effect of gratitude. The study sought to
brain using an fMRI. The study similarly investigate the impact of gratitude, as well as,
concluded that gratitude practices increase neural resentment interventions on mental well-being.
modulation in the medial prefrontal cortex three Functional connectivity (FC) of the fMRI was
months post-intervention (Kini et al., 2015). A initially conducted to identify the gratitude effect
recent study attempted to not only determine the on the following: default mode, emotion, and
neuroimaging effect of gratitude but to analyze it reward-motivation networks. The association of
in combination with a social intervention. The these effects with the average heart rate was
study combined fMRI, as well as, a human social measured. The heart rate was found to be
interactive task consisting of cost and benefit as positively impacted (lower) during the gratitude
two components of gratitude analyzed by the intervention compared to the resentment
beneficiary’s brain. Through an elaborate intervention. There was also a positive
scientific model, the study that used dynamic correlation between the functional connectivity
causal modeling suggested an effect of gratitude and heart rate during the gratitude intervention,
on neural signals and connectivity in the however not the resentment intervention. The
perigenual anterior cingulate cortex (area of the observed decrease heart rate during the gratitude
brain that represents gratitude). In addition, this intervention but rather an increase in heart rate
function played a role in converting gratitude into during the resentment intervention likely
reciprocal behavior suggesting a neural corresponded to the results of response to
mechanistic account of gratitude and as a gratitude and resentment (Kyeong et al., 2017).
significant contributor to “social-moral life” (Yu
et al., 2018). One of the initial studies to examine Discussion
the benefits of gratitude on physical health was This review confirms the abundance of scientific
conducted with 962 individuals using a large- evidence behind the impact of gratitude on both
scale survey of self-reported physical health. The the psychological and physiological levels.
study sought to test a form of gratitude known as Several evidence-based gratitude practices were
dispositional gratitude which refers to an attitude suggested to result in significant benefits.
of a life approach focusing on noticing and Gratitude correlates with psychological benefits
appreciating the positives in the word almost as a that promote happiness and reduce depression. In
gift. Gratitude was measured by utilizing a addition, gratitude impacts relationships as it was
Gratitude Questionnaire (GQ-6) and physical shown to promote positive emotions within
health was measured by a Subjective Scale (Short families and among couples when receiving an
Form SF12), as well as, the 5-Item Healthy expression of gratitude or kindness from the other
Activities Scale designed for this study to individual. The practice of other praising

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Nour Abdullah 198

behavior predicted perception of the other substantial impact on positive emotions and
partner’s responsiveness, general positive overall mental health including improved
emotion, and love (Algoe et al., 2016). Practicing symptoms of those suffering from baseline
gratitude, therefore, is suggested to improve depression. Since depression is a devastating and
relationships. Therefore, it is desirable that prevalent condition in society, identifying safe
couples and families cultivate more praise and and non-invasive techniques such as keeping a
kindness as a form of improving relationships gratitude list to aid in the fight against this
because these practices generate gratitude from condition would be highly rewarding. In addition
the other individual in return. Overall this to writing a gratitude list, other effective ways to
approach improves the overall quality of life and practice gratitude include using an internet-based
nature of relationships. Practicing gratitude can app intervention for five weeks to reduce anxiety
be done in a variety of ways to positively impact and depression as suggested by an important
mental health. One of the effective gratitude research on this timely topic (Heckendorf et al.,
interventions would be maintaining a daily 2019). This technology could be a more
gratitude listwhich improves mood and well- accessible way to encompass a large group of
being while decreasing depressive symptoms. For individuals to maximize the benefit of gratitude
example, writing a daily gratitude list for fourteen through this intervention. As noted by extensive
days was shown to have a positive effect on research, gratitude improves many mental health-
subjective happiness, life satisfaction, and a related conditions such as anxiety and depression,
decrease of negative emotions or depressive in addition to improving a psychopathological
symptoms (Cunha et al., 2019). The scientific condition known as repetitive negative thinking
evidence reviewed in this analysis clearly (RNT). Of importance, the mechanisms
supports that writing a daily gratitude list would mediating the effects of gratitude include a
be recommended as a practical and easily variety of direct, as well as, indirect ways through
implemented practice with far-reaching positive emotions and reframing thoughts
implications that anyone can incorporate in their (Lambert et al., 2012).
daily routine. Beyond improving mood, Furthermore, gratitude was also found to
wellbeing and relationships, the impact of correlate with stronger perceptions of support and
gratitude on happiness is equally desirable and greater social relationships during stressful
further corroborated by a meta-analysis of thirty- events (Deichert et al., 2019). As a result,
eight studies reiterating that gratitude positively gratitude evidently increases psychological well-
impacts happiness (Dickens, 2017). Since meta- being during social interactions and stressful
analyses represent one of the highest levels of situations. This was supported by a study that was
evidence, one can safely conclude that gratitude beneficial in determining the effects of gratitude
can be a cornerstone of promoting happiness. In during stressful situations, such as public
addition to evidence supporting that gratitude can speaking, and would potentially be useful in
be an essential driver of happiness, gratitude was similar social stressful situations. Furthermore,
also suggested to decrease depression. This was when evaluating the effects of gratitude on the
based on a well-conducted trial of a two-week function of the brain during stressful situations
gratitude list which was shown to be effective in using an fMRI, gratitude correlates with activity
reducing depression among participants who in the brain regions related to positive emotions,
suffer from high depressive symptoms (Harbaugh behavior, morals, values, and social judgment
and Vasey, 2014). Accumulating research, (Fox et al., 2015). It is therefore conceivable that
therefore, backs the evidence that gratitude has a practicing gratitude is not only important for

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199 Journal of Positive Psychology & Wellbeing

mental health and social relationships but also it affects the quality of life and potentially
could shape moral values and improve overall reduces diseases. More specifically, gratitude
character. was shown to affect the neural network functional
In addition to the mental health benefits connectivity and brain-heart coupling. The
detailed above, gratitude also impacts several benefit of gratitude can be measured by decreased
physiological functions of the body, including heart rate when practicing gratitude seen in a
brain function, physical health, and heart study-based gratitude and a resentment
function.Gratitude correlates with neural activity intervention (Kyeong et al., 2017). This study
and brain function related to positive emotions, indicates that gratitude is likely to be associated
cognitive behavior, morals, values, personality, with the parasympathetic and sympathetic
social judgment, memory, and decision nervous systems which control the physiological
processing as confirmed by neurologically-based responses of the body. As such, the effect of the
studies (Fox et al., 2015; Kini et al., 2015; Karns autonomic nervous system on the heart rate is
et al., 2017; Yu et al., 2018). However, gratitude increased during stressful events and decreased
was not evidently associated with impacting high when experiencing certain positive emotions
executive functions of the brain, such as cognitive such as gratitude. Overall, the totality of the
flexibility which allows individuals to switch evidence supports the significant improvement of
between a variety of concepts (Hartanto et al., mental and physical well-being by practicing
2017). More research is needed to assess the role gratitude. Gratitude can execute emotional
of gratitude in impacting similar high complexity regulation by modulating functional areas in the
functions. As concluded by the study referenced brain related to emotions and motivations in
above using only a single task-switching test addition to the effects on the heart.
which may not be conclusive, therefore, more While the strength of this analysis included
research is needed to further evaluate the study’s gathering data from a heterogeneous sample of
findings. Furthermore, fMRI studies confirmed adult participants with implications for
that several forms of gratitude practices such as generalizability, this could also pose some
writing and taking part in charity can be effective limitations. As such, this review compiled studies
due to their positive impact on the neurological that had different participants ranging from
function of the prefrontal cortex of the brain. By college students to couples and patients with a
exerting a significant effect on brain function, this psychiatric disease. The results from one study
analysis provides more supporting evidence that may not be applicable to the participants from
gratitude conclusively impacts behavior another study as the review was not focused on a
including social and moral interactions. homogeneous sample (Deichert et al., 2019).
Neveretheless, practicing gratitude has During the clinical trial of one study, a procedural
significant additional benefits on physical health. malfunction occurred, as well as, poor sound
This is supported by the positive outcomes noted quality, overall prohibiting data from fifteen
in a study that encompasses health behavior gratitude conversation interventions (Algoe et al.,
including nutrition, exercise, personal well-being, 2016). In addition, several of the analyzed
social well-being, and drug use (Hill et al., 2013). gratitude intervention trials were received online
Gratitude was found to impact physical health in from the participants and experienced a limitation
a variety of forms promoting an overall social and characterized by dropout rate, as well as, the lack
personal well-being based on a healthier lifestyle. of follow-up. While this prevented more data
This is important because a healthy lifestyle is an from being collected, the studies mentioned there
important goal for every individual to seek, as it was no significant difference impacting the

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Nour Abdullah 200

results from the losses (Cunha et al., 2019; consider ways to limit the drop out rate while also
Dickens, 2017; Karns., et al 2017). It would, preventing as much software malfunctions as
therefore, be crucial to remind participants in possible.
similar studies daily, if needed, to send in
requested materials to further prevent a higher Conclusion
dropout rate. Another study reported that due to a This analysis supports that the benefits of
misunderstanding of instructions, one participant gratitude extend well beyond the historical and
was removed from the trial (Yu et al., 2018). religious teachings to incorporate scientifically-
Even though the effect was not drastic, this backed health evidence. Gratitude was shown to
situation displayed the importance of execute several positive psychological and
communication between the participants. physical benefits based on evolving scientific
Moreover, one study using a Holocaust research. Practicing gratitude was found to
simulation to allow participants to imagine elucidate positive emotions including happiness
receiving a gift during that time, reported a and reduce depressive symptoms, as well impact
limitation that led to three individuals being the functionality of the brain using neuroimaging.
removed from the study due to a scanner and As such, gratitude was found to correspond with
computer malfunction. Nevertheless, this psychological benefits that, in turn, increased
malfunction did not strain the simulation (Fox et happiness and reduced depression. Gratitude was
al., 2015). In addition, one study limited itself to shown to promote positive emotions within
using a single task-switching paradigm, families and among couples leading to improved
excluding the results from encompassing a more relationships. By practicing simple gratitude
generalized task measuring of cognitive interventions such as writing a daily gratitude list,
flexibility (Hartanto et al., 2020). In the future several positive emotions can ensue including
more measures should be utilized to guarantee a subjective happiness, life satisfaction, less
more generalizable outcome, overall allowing the negative emotions, decreased depressive
results to be applied to a larger majority. Most of symptoms, and improved mood and well-being.
the examined interventions were reported to last Gratitude was found to improve a variety of
for a limited amount of time, whether it was three mental health-related conditions including
weeks or five weeks. It was, therefore, difficult to anxiety, depression, and a psychopathological
see the long-lasting effects of the gratitude entity known as RNT. The mechanisms behind
interventions on the participants (Kyeong et al., the beneficial effects of gratitude were suggested
2017). Future studies should focus more on to be both direct or indirect ways. Gratitude was
analyzing the long-lasting implications of the also noted to correlate with stronger social
gratitude interventions in addition to the short- interactions including better perceptions of
term effects since it can be more difficult to support and greater social relationships during
conclude the effects of gratitude when limited to stressful events. In addition to increased
a shorter follow up. Further research is also psychological well-being and mental health, this
needed to explore the benefits of gratitude on analysis supported gratitude’s impact on the
specific populations, as well as evaluate more physiological functions of the body including
modern practices that could apply to a wide brain function and physical health. Gratitude
variety of individuals, specifically younger specifically stimulated several brain activities in
generations. It would be important to incorporate the anterior and prefrontal cortices related to
in future studies an organized approach where personality, emotions, self-perception, cognitive
participants can adhere to instructions and function, social behavior, memory, and altruistic

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201 Journal of Positive Psychology & Wellbeing

tendencies. The effect of gratitude, however, on Gratitude Interventions: A Randomized

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Graphs/Charts/Table

Table Depicting Several Convenient Gratitude Practices/Interventions

Table One: Effective Gratitude Practices, gratitude practices/interventions with included benefits

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Nour Abdullah 204

Figure One: Improved SHS in the gratitude group compared to the control groups, Mean SHS scores in
three groups: gratitude, hassles, and neutral, (Cunha et al., 2019)

Figure Two: Decreased CES-D in the gratitude group compared to the control groups, Mean CES-D scores

in three groups: gratitude, hassles, and neutral, (Cunha et al., 2019)

Figure Three: Improved PANAS-PA in the gratitude group compared to the control groups, Mean
PANAS-PA scores in three groups: gratitude, hassles, and neutral, (Cunha et al., 2019)

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205 Journal of Positive Psychology & Wellbeing

Figure Four: Decreased PANAS-NA in the gratitude group compared to the control groups, Mean

PANAS-NA scores in three groups: gratitude, hassles, and neutral, (Cunha et al., 2019)

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