What is Gratitude?
Many of us express gratitude by
saying “thank you’ to someone
who has helped us or given us a
gift. From a scientific
perspective, however, gratitude is
not just an action: it is also a
positive emotion that serves a
Positive psychology defines
gratitude in a way where
scientists can measure its
effects, and thus argue that
gratitude is more than feeling
thankful: it is a deeper
appreciation for someone (or
something) that produces longer
People can use gratitude to form
new social relations or to
strengthen current ones.
Acts of gratitude can be used to
apologize, make amends and help
solve other problems.
Alternatively, people may feel
gracious because it can be an
intrinsically rewarding process.
Simply being grateful for being
alive is a great way to motivate
oneself to seize the day.
The idea that tomorrow is not
guaranteed is a strong motivator
for some people to be their “best
Why Gratitude Works
Gratitude is a selfless act. Its acts
are done unconditionally, to show
to people that they are
appreciated. “A gift that is freely
given” is one way to understand
what these acts are like.
For example, if someone is sad
and you write them a note ofappreciation, you are likely not
asking for something in return forthis person; instead, you are
reminding them of their value, and
expressing gratitude for their
existence. At the moment, you are
not waiting for a “return note”
from this person.
Even when we do not expect a
return, sometimes they happen.
Gratitude can be contagious, in a
Two processes gratitude
Catharsis is the process in which
an individual releases strong
emotions.For example, after a stressful or
traumatic event, crying provides a
means for such a strong release,
rendering the activity cathartic.
Catharsis works with gratitude.
Reciprocity, as a concept from
social psychology, is about the
exchanging of actions.
In this case, it is about the
exchange of positive emotion.
When someone performs an act of
gratitude for another person, in
turn, that person may be
motivated to do something
gracious for the former person oor
continue the favor for a stranger.
So much has been given to me,I have no reason to ponder over that which has been denied of me ( Maryam)