1. Presented By :
Ms.Muthalakshmi.M
M.sc,Applied Psychology (1st year)
Department Of Psychology
The American College, Madurai.
Email: 22pap20@americancollege.edu.in
The Power of Gratitude: Understanding its
Role in Promoting Positive Emotions and
Mental Health.
Ms.Vaisshnavie.M
Assistant Professor
Department Of Psychology
The American College,Madurai.
Email :
vaisshnavie@americancollege.edu.in
3. ● Introduction
● Rationale of the study
● Theoretical Background
● Benefits of gratitude for Mental Health
● Mechanism underlying the benefits of
gratitude
● Gratitude Intervention
● Conclusion
● Implications of mental health practice
in gratitude
CONTENT
4. Introduction :
The word gratitude is derived from the Latin word
gratia, which means grace, graciousness, or
gratefulness (depending on the context). Gratitude is
a powerful emotion that has been studied extensively
in the fields of psychology and neuroscience. It is the
feeling of appreciation and thankfulness for the good
things in life, both big and small.
5. Rationale of the study
Positive psychology: Gratitude is often studied in the context of positive psychology, which focuses
on promoting positive emotions, character traits, and behaviors. Gratitude is one of the key positive
emotions that can contribute to overall well-being, happiness, and resilience.
Social relationships: Gratitude can also be studied in the context of social relationships, as
expressing gratitude can strengthen social bonds and foster positive interactions between
individuals.
Health: There is evidence that gratitude can have physical health benefits, such as reducing
symptoms of illness and improving sleep quality. As such, studies on gratitude may aim to explore
the relationship between gratitude and health outcomes.
Intervention: Some studies on gratitude may aim to develop and test interventions that promote
gratitude and evaluate their effectiveness in improving well-being, relationships, or health
outcomes.
Overall, studying gratitude can provide insights into how positive emotions and social interactions
6. Definition of Gratitude
Gratitude is the feeling of thankfulness or
happiness in response to either a tangible
benefit (like a gift or a favor) or something
intangible or happenstance (like a nice day).
7. ● Positive
emotions
● Character
Strengths
● Social
connections
● Mindfulness
and
resilience
Gratitude 1
Gratitude 2
Gratitude 3
○ Gratitude as a
disposition
○ Gratitude as a
practice
○ Gratitude and
positive emotions
○ Gratitude and
social
connections
○ Gratitude and
physical health
Theoretical Background
1. Positive
psychology and
study of well being
2.Gratitude and it's
relationship to
positive emotions
3. Theoretical
Model of gratitude
and wellbeing:
8. 1.Positive psychology and study of well being
Positive emotions: Positive psychology emphasizes the importance of positive
emotions such as joy, contentment, and gratitude in promoting well-being.
Character strengths: Positive psychology identifies character strengths such as
courage, kindness, and wisdom, and emphasizes the importance of using these
strengths to promote well-being and achieve personal goals.
Social connections: Positive psychology highlights the importance of social
connections and relationships in promoting well-being and happiness.
Mindfulness and resilience: Positive psychology emphasizes the importance of
mindfulness and resilience in promoting well-being, by helping individuals manage
stress and cope with adversities.
9. 2.Gratitudes and it's Relationship to positive
emotions
First, gratitude can help people focus on the positive aspects of their lives,
rather than dwelling on negative experiences or stressors. By directing
attention towards positive experiences, gratitude can help people experience
more positive emotions.
Second, gratitude can increase feelings of social connection and support,
which in turn can promote positive emotions. When people express gratitude
towards others, it can strengthen relationships and increase feelings of
closeness and connection.
Third, gratitude can promote positive emotions by enhancing feelings of
satisfaction and fulfillment. When people feel grateful for what they have, they
may experience a sense of contentment and happiness, rather than a sense of
longing or desire for more.Positive emotions open us up to more possibilities.
10. 3.Theoretical Model of gratitude and wellbeing:
Gratitude as a disposition: This model suggests that some people have
a natural disposition towards gratitude, meaning they are more likely to
experience gratitude in their daily lives. This disposition is thought to be
influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.
Gratitude as a practice: In addition to being a disposition, gratitude can
also be cultivated through intentional practices such as keeping a
gratitude journal, expressing gratitude to others, and focusing on the
positive aspects of one's life. Regularly engaging in these practices can
increase feelings of gratitude and overall wellbeing.
Gratitude and positive emotions: Gratitude is closely linked to positive
emotions such as joy, contentment, and satisfaction. When individuals
experience gratitude, they are more likely to experience these positive
emotions, which can lead to increased wellbeing.
11. Gratitude and social connections: Expressing gratitude towards
others can improve social connections and strengthen relationships.
Gratitude can also increase prosocial behavior, such as helping others
and being kind, which can further enhance social connections.
Gratitude and physical health: Research suggests that practicing
gratitude can lead to physical health benefits such as better sleep,
lower levels of stress and inflammation, and improved cardiovascular
health. These benefits may be related to the positive emotions and
social connections associated with gratitude.
Overall, the theoretical model of gratitude and wellbeing suggests
that cultivating gratitude can have wide-ranging benefits for
individuals' wellbeing, including positive emotions, improved social
connections, and physical health benefits
12. ● Reduced symptoms of depression
● Increased resilience
● Improved sleep
● Enhanced positive emotions
● Reduced negative emotions
● Increased satisfaction with life
● Improved relationships
Benefits For Gratitude and Mental
Health
13. Reduced symptoms of depression: Gratitude interventions have been shown to
reduce symptoms of depression and increase overall well-being.
Increased resilience: Gratitude has been linked to increased resilience in the
face of stress and adversity.
Improved sleep: Gratitude interventions have been shown to improve sleep
quality, which in turn can improve mental health.
Enhanced positive emotions: Gratitude interventions have been shown to
increase positive emotions such as joy, contentment, and happiness.
Reduced negative emotions: Gratitude interventions have been shown to
decrease negative emotions such as envy, resentment, and frustration.
Increased satisfaction with life: Gratitude has been linked to increased
satisfaction with life and a greater sense of overall well-being.
Improved relationships: Gratitude has been shown to improve relationships by
increasing feelings of connection and positivity towards others.
14. Mechanism underlying the Benefits
of gratitude :
1. The Role of
positive
Reappraisal
3. The Role of
social
support
15. 1.The Role of positive Reappraisal
● Positive reappraisal is a cognitive strategy
that involves reinterpreting negative events or
experiences in a more positive light. This
strategy can be used to cultivate gratitude by
helping us focus on the positive aspects of our
lives, even in the face of adversity.
16. Finding the silver lining: This involves looking for positive aspects in a negative
situation. By finding something good in a difficult experience, we can increase
our sense of gratitude for the good things that came out of the situation.
Reframing: This involves looking at a situation from a different perspective. By
reframing a negative event as an opportunity for growth or learning, we can
increase our sense of gratitude for the lessons we've learned.
Comparing downward: This involves comparing our situation to those who are
worse off. By recognizing that there are others who are facing more difficult
circumstances, we can increase our sense of gratitude for the good things we
have in our lives.
Counting blessings: This involves focusing on the positive aspects of our lives and
acknowledging them. By taking time to appreciate the good things in our lives,
we can cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude for the people, experiences, and
things that bring us joy and happiness.
17. 2.The role of cognitive and affective
Processing:
● Gratitude can be understood in terms of
both cognitive and affective processing.
Cognitive processing refers to the way we
interpret and think about our experiences,
while affective processing refers to the
emotions we feel in response to those
experiences.
18. Cognitive reappraisal: This involves reinterpreting negative experiences in a
more positive light. By reframing negative events as opportunities for growth or
learning, we can increase our sense of gratitude for the lessons we've learned.
Affective labeling: This involves labeling our emotions and recognizing how they
contribute to our experiences. By acknowledging and accepting our emotions,
we can cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude for the richness and complexity of
our lives.
Savoring: This involves paying attention to and fully experiencing positive
events or experiences. By savoring the positive moments in our lives, we can
increase our sense of gratitude for the good things we have.
Mindfulness: This involves being fully present and non-judgmental in our
experiences. By practicing mindfulness, we can increase our awareness and
appreciation of the present moment, and cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude
for the present moment.
19. Social support can play an
important role in fostering
gratitude. When we receive
support from others, it can
make us feel appreciated
and valued, which can in
turn increase our feelings
of gratitude.
3.The role of social support :
20. Validation and recognition: When others recognize and validate our
efforts or accomplishments, it can make us feel appreciated and grateful.
Emotional support: When we receive emotional support from others
during difficult times, it can help us feel more resilient and grateful for
the support we have.
Shared experiences: Sharing positive experiences with others can
increase our feelings of gratitude and help us appreciate the positive
aspects of our lives.
Perspective-taking: When others help us see things from a different
perspective, it can increase our sense of gratitude and appreciation for
the support and guidance they provide.
22. Gratitude journaling: This
involves writing down
things that you are
grateful for on a regular
basis, such as each day or
once a week.
Gratitude Journaling
23. Gratitude letters: This
involves writing a letter
to someone you are
grateful for and
expressing your
appreciation for them.
Gratitude letters
25. Counting blessings:
This involves taking
time each day to
reflect on the good
things in your life and
acknowledging them.
Counting Blessings
26. Acts of kindness: This
involves doing
something kind for
someone else and
reflecting on how it
made you feel and how
it impacted the other
person.
Act of Kindness
27. Gratitude is a powerful emotion that can promote
positive emotions and mental health. Studies have
shown that gratitude can increase happiness, reduce
symptoms of depression and anxiety, and improve
overall wellbeing. Gratitude can also improve social
relationships, enhance resilience, and lead to physical
health benefits. Mental health practitioners can
incorporate gratitude-based interventions into their
practice to help clients cultivate gratitude and
experience these positive outcomes.Understanding the
power of gratitude is crucial for promoting mental
health and wellbeing.
Conclusion
28. Implications of mental health practice in
gratitude :
● Gratitude interventions can promote positive emotions
● Gratitude interventions can reduce negative emotions
● Gratitude interventions can improve relationships
● Gratitude interventions can enhance resilience
● Gratitude interventions can improve overall wellbeing
Overall, incorporating gratitude-based interventions into mental health
practice can have positive implications for clients' mental health and
overall wellbeing. Practitioners can work with clients to cultivate
gratitude through a variety of interventions and strategies, helping them
develop positive emotions, improve social relationships, and enhance
resilience in the face of adversity
29. Refference:
Lambert, N. M., & Fincham, F. D. (2011). Expressing gratitude to a partner leads to more
relationship maintenance behavior. Emotion, 11(1), 52-60.
https://doi.org/10.1037/a0021557
Lindberg, E. (2019, November 26). Research from USC experts shows link between gratitude
and health. USC News. Retrieved December 18, 2020.
Algoe, S. B., Fredrickson, B. L., & Gable, S. L. (2013). The social functions of the emotion of
gratitude via expression. Emotion, 13(4), 605-609.
https://doi.org/10.1037/a0032701
mmons, R. A., & Crumpler, C. A. (2000). Gratitude as a human strength: Appraising the
evidence. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 19(1), 56-69.
https://doi.org/10.1521/jscp.2000.19.1.56
Harvard Health Publishing. (2011, November 11). Giving thanks can make you happier.
Harvard Health. Retrieved December 17, 2020.
Wood, A. M., Froh, J. J., & Geraghty, A. W. (2010). Gratitude and well-being: A review and
theoretical integration. Clinical Psychology Review, 30(7), 890-905.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2010.03.005
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