The Psychology of Gratitude
The world’s foremost expert on gratitude, Robert Emmons, defines gratitude as “a sense of wonder, thankfulness, and appreciation for life.” He notes that gratitude consists of two separate but interconnected steps:
● First, we acknowledge the goodness that is present in our lives.
● Second, we recognize that the source of these blessings lies, at least partially, outside of our own doing.
Gratitude can be an external, visible behavior, such as the act of thanking someone, but it can also be a private or internal process, such as acknowledging and reflecting on the good aspects of our lives.
Why Practice Gratitude?
An explosion of research on the many benefits of gratitude has marked the past decade or so. As it turns out, gratitude is not merely an emotion that feels good; it actually holds the key to a number of psychological, physical, and social benefits as well.
The Psychological Benefits of Gratitude
Studies show that individuals who regularly practice gratitude perform better across a number of areas when it comes to mental and emotional health. Gratitude has been linked to lower rates of depression, along with creating a buffer against future depressive episodes. It has also been shown to decrease stress levels, while enhancing positive mental states such as joy, optimism, and tranquility.
The Health Benefits of Gratitude
Not only are grateful individuals happier, but research suggests that they are healthier as well. Studies have found that individuals who regularly practice gratitude have improved overall physical health, stronger immune systems, and reduced rates of stress-related illnesses. Not only that, but research has linked the practice of gratitude to other benefits such as getting better sleep (as much as an extra hour per night), and exercising more (as much as 90 minutes more per week).
The Interpersonal Benefits of Gratitude
Many studies have shown that grateful individuals have stronger interpersonal relationships, including more satisfying romantic relationships. They are also more altruistic, making them more likely to donate to charities and engage in volunteer work. They are even able to let go of resentments easier and foster forgiveness.
The Grateful Brain
A gratitude practice impact our brain in several ways. First, on a structural level, the practice of gratitude has been linked to two areas of the brain in particular: the hypothalamus and the left prefrontal cortex. Though small in size, the hypothalamus is mighty in function, and it impacts things like our stress level, our sleep, and even our metabolism. The left prefrontal cortex, conversely, has been linked to positive emotional states, including happiness, compassion, love, and joy.
On a chemical level, gratitude has been linked to several neurotransmitter systems, including serotonin and dopamine. Serotonin influences a number of bodily functions and is thought to be strongly connected to our moods. Low levels of serotonin are thought by some researchers to be linked to higher rates of depression, and gratitude may increase the levels of serotonin in our brain. Dopamine, on the other hand, is considered a “feel good” neurotransmitter and plays a role in our ability to anticipate rewards and pleasure. Studies suggest that the practice of gratitude may increase levels of dopamine in our brains too.
Help your clients discover the benefits of Gratitude with this FREE Gratitude Exercise.
Check out Three Good Things Worksheet taken from the Happiness Toolbox.
The Happiness Toolbox is here to help, by providing you with science-backed exercises to change your life. An interactive journaling format helps you learn how to choose happiness by adding simple habits into your daily life - putting you in a long-lasting and fulfilling state of mind.
Jonah Paquette, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist, speaker and author. He is the author of Real Happiness (PESI Publishing, 2015), a research-based self-help book in which he distills the key findings in the fields of happiness and offers user-friendly tools to achieve lasting well-being. His second book, The Happiness Toolbox (PESI Publishing, 2018), offers readers an array of easy-to-use handouts and exercises designed to enhance happiness in a lasting way. His latest book, Awestruck, explores the psychological and health benefits of awe and wonder.
Jonah is also the assistant regional training director for Kaiser Permanente in Northern California, where he helps to manage a large mental health training program spanning over 20 medical centers. In addition to his clinical work and writing, Jonah offers training and consultation to therapists and organizations on the promotion of well-being and regularly conducts professional workshops around the country. He is also a frequent media contributor, having been featured in print, online, and radio outlets. He has a passion for imparting the key findings related to happiness and wellbeing with a broader audience, and he is honored to share these with you.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Jonah Paquette has an employment relationship with The Clinic and receives compensation as a consultant and trainer. He receives royalties as a published author. Dr. Paquette receives a speaking honorarium, recording royalties, and book royalties from Psychotherapy Networker and PESI, Inc. He has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dr. Jonah Paquette is a member of the American Psychological Association, the California Psychological Association, and the Marin County Psychological Association.
