Brenda H O'Connell1, Deirdre O'Shea2, Stephen Gallagher1,3. 1. Centre for Social Issues Research, Study of Anxiety, Stress and Health Lab, University of Limerick. 2. Kemmy Business School, University of Limerick. 3. Health Research Institute, University of Limerick.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study examined the effect of a reflective interpersonal gratitude journal, a reflective-behavioral interpersonal gratitude journal and an active control journal, on primary qualities of well-being and depression. METHOD: Participants (n = 192; 67.2% female) completed this 3-month longitudinal randomized controlled design. RESULTS: Participants in the reflective-behavioral condition experienced the greatest improvements in affect balance and reductions in depression at immediate posttest. Both gratitude interventions improved affect balance at 1 month, compared to the control. Changes in affect balance for those in the reflective-behavioral condition were mediated by the rate at which people expressed gratitude in their existing relationships. This effect was moderated by participant's baseline depressive status. CONCLUSION: Expressing felt gratitude to others appears to be a crucial step in deriving benefits, and these benefits may not be limited to the emotionally healthy. Given the applied popularity of gratitude interventions, understanding not only if but also how they work is essential.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVE: This study examined the effect of a reflective interpersonal gratitude journal, a reflective-behavioral interpersonal gratitude journal and an active control journal, on primary qualities of well-being and depression. METHOD:Participants (n = 192; 67.2% female) completed this 3-month longitudinal randomized controlled design. RESULTS:Participants in the reflective-behavioral condition experienced the greatest improvements in affect balance and reductions in depression at immediate posttest. Both gratitude interventions improved affect balance at 1 month, compared to the control. Changes in affect balance for those in the reflective-behavioral condition were mediated by the rate at which people expressed gratitude in their existing relationships. This effect was moderated by participant's baseline depressive status. CONCLUSION: Expressing felt gratitude to others appears to be a crucial step in deriving benefits, and these benefits may not be limited to the emotionally healthy. Given the applied popularity of gratitude interventions, understanding not only if but also how they work is essential.
Authors: Joep van Agteren; Matthew Iasiello; Laura Lo; Jonathan Bartholomaeus; Zoe Kopsaftis; Marissa Carey; Michael Kyrios Journal: Nat Hum Behav Date: 2021-04-19
Authors: Adam P McGuire; Joanna G Fagan; Jack Tsai; Addie N Merians; Brandon Nichter; Sonya B Norman; Steven M Southwick; Robert H Pietrzak Journal: J Psychiatr Res Date: 2022-03-02 Impact factor: 5.250