Harvesting Happiness: The Psychological Benefits of Gratitude

This post is part of our 'SEL x Books' series, diving into how Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is woven into our books to help children grow emotionally, socially, and mentally!

Psychological Benefits of Gratitude

Gratitude, the core concept of Gratitude Garden is more than just saying "thank you". It is a profound emotional experience that involves acknowledging the value and significance of things important to oneself, representing a widespread sense of thankfulness and appreciation (Sansone & Sansone, 2010). Psychological research has consistently shown that practicing conscious focus on blessings can have a positive emotional and interpersonal impacts (Emmons & McCullough, 2003). In a world often fraught with challenges, cultivating gratitude emerges as a beacon of hope and resilience.

Gratitude practice encourages individuals appreciate the value of the people and things around them and recognize the goodness in their lives. This shift in perspective can lead to a cascade of positive psychological effects, including higher satisfaction with life and self-esteem (Rash et al., 2011).

State vs Trait Gratitude

State gratitude is understood as a positive, social emotion experienced when an act of kindness or generosity is freely given by another person (Emmons, 2004). It is characterized by a sudden, acute physiological response accompanied by feelings of gladness (Roberts, 2004), and has been considered to require some level of cognitive sophistication.

Contrastingly, trait gratitude refers to a more enduring aspect of personality, a characteristic that varies among individuals in terms of intensity, frequency, and range (McCullough et al., 2002). They possess a lower threshold for experiencing gratitude, readily finding reasons to be thankful and feeling gladness in situations where generosity is displayed (Rosenberg, 1998; Watkins, 2004). Individuals with this disposition allow them to consistently find joy and appreciation in their interactions with others, enhancing their emotional well-being and social connections.

Gratitude Garden weaves these concepts into its narrative, inviting young readers to explore gratitude both as a response to specific acts of kindness from friends (state gratitude) and as a more general lens through which to view the world (trait gratitude). Through Emi's experiences and reflections, the book offers a platform for children to cultivate their own gratitude practice, encouraging them to recognize and appreciate the transient moments of kindness, as well as to develop a lasting disposition of gratitude that enriches their lives and relationships.

Integrating Gratitude into SEL

    1. Social Awareness
    2. Self Awareness
    3. Self Management
    4. Relationship Skills
    5. Responsible Decision Making

    In addition to self awareness introduced in The Light of Love, which involves understanding one's own feelings and acknowledging what is meaningful to oneself, Gratitude Garden introduces the expression of appreciation towards others, which fosters positive relationships and strengthens a child’s relationship skills. By incorporating gratitude practices into SEL curricula, educators and parents can provide children with the tools to build stronger emotional foundations, improve their mental health, and navigate social interactions more effectively.

    Activities such as gratitude journals, thank-you letters, and group discussions about gratitude can be powerful tools for promoting positive mental health and fostering a supportive community environment.

    Where Gratitude Garden Fits In

    Gratitude transcends mere verbal expressions of thanks. It embodies a profound acknowledgment of the value and significance of elements crucial to one's life. Gratitude Garden aligns with these objectives by offering young readers a playful yet profound exploration of appreciation. Gratitude exercises encourage children to notice and reflect on the good things in their lives, which can enhance their emotional intelligence and social skills. It not only entertains, but also empowers, helping to sow the seeds of gratitude in the hearts of children and their communities.

    Through Emi's journey, children are invited to engage with their own gratitude practices, reflecting on what they are thankful for and recognizing the beauty in the world around them.

    References

    1. Emmons, R. A. (2004). The psychology of gratitude. In Oxford University Press eBooks (pp. 3–16). https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195150100.003.0001
    2. Emmons, R. A., & McCullough, M. E. (2003). Counting blessings versus burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being in daily life. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(2), 377–389. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.84.2.377
    3. McCullough, M. E., Emmons, R. A., & Tsang, J. (2002). The grateful disposition: A conceptual and empirical topography. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 82(1), 112–127. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.82.1.112
    4. Rash, J. A., Matsuba, M. K., & Prkachin, K. M. (2011). Gratitude and Well‐Being: Who Benefits the Most from a Gratitude Intervention? Applied Psychology Health and Well-Being, 3(3), 350–369. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1758-0854.2011.01058.x
    5. Roberts, R. C. (2004). The blessings of gratitude. In Oxford University Press eBooks (pp. 58–78). https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195150100.003.0004
    6. Rosenberg, E. L. (1998). Levels of analysis and the organization of affect. Review of General Psychology, 2(3), 247–270. https://doi.org/10.1037/1089-2680.2.3.247
    7. Sansone, R. A., & Sansone, L. A. (2010). Gratitude and well being: the benefits of appreciation. Psychiatry (Edgmont (Pa. : Township)), 7(11), 18–22.
    8. Watkins, P. C. (2004). Gratitude and Subjective Well-Being. In Oxford University Press eBooks (pp. 167–192). https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195150100.003.0009

     

    Spilling the beans, Jade

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