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Promoting Gratitude as a Resource for Sustainable Mental Health: Results of a 3-Armed Randomized Controlled Trial up to 6 Months Follow-up

Author

Listed:
  • Ernst T. Bohlmeijer

    (University of Twente)

  • Jannis T. Kraiss

    (University of Twente)

  • Philip Watkins

    (Eastern Washington University)

  • Marijke Schotanus-Dijkstra

    (University of Twente)

Abstract

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the impact of a 6-week gratitude intervention for people with low to moderate well-being and moderate symptomatology of depression and anxiety up to 6 months follow-up. 217 Dutch adults were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: a 6-week gratitude intervention, a 6-week self-kindness intervention as an active control condition and a waitlist control condition. Participants completed online assessments on well-being, depression, anxiety and gratitude at baseline, post-test, 6 weeks and 6 months follow-up. Changes in outcome measures over time were examined using multilevel growth curve modeling in R to account for repeated measures nested within individuals. The gratitude intervention was more effective in improving mental well-being in comparison to the self-kindness intervention (d = .63 at post-intervention and d = .40 at 6 weeks follow-up) and waitlist control (d = .93 at post-intervention and d = .66 at 6 weeks follow-up). The data also demonstrated that the gratitude intervention was superior to waitlist control and practicing self-kindness on various measures of gratitude but not on distress. The results of this study suggest that a 6-week gratitude intervention is an effective, low-intensity intervention for enhancing mental well-being but not distress among people with low to moderate levels of well-being and moderate distress, at least in higher-educated women. The sustained effects on various measures of gratitude up to 6 months follow-up suggest that it is possible to promote a lasting appreciative perspective on life.

Suggested Citation

  • Ernst T. Bohlmeijer & Jannis T. Kraiss & Philip Watkins & Marijke Schotanus-Dijkstra, 2021. "Promoting Gratitude as a Resource for Sustainable Mental Health: Results of a 3-Armed Randomized Controlled Trial up to 6 Months Follow-up," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 22(3), pages 1011-1032, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:22:y:2021:i:3:d:10.1007_s10902-020-00261-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-020-00261-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kobau, R. & Seligman, M.E.P. & Peterson, C. & Diener, E. & Zack, M.M. & Chapman, D. & Thompson, W., 2011. "Mental health promotion in public health: Perspectives and strategies from positive psychology," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 101(8), pages 1-9.
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    3. Keyes, C.L.M. & Dhingra, S.S. & Simoes, E.J., 2010. "Change in level of positive mental health as a predictor of future risk of mental Illness," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 100(12), pages 2366-2371.
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    Cited by:

    1. Chen-Wei Yu & Yen-Ping Chang & Cheng-Hsien Li & Hsiang-Yi Wu, 2023. "From Emotion Beliefs to Regulatory Behavior: Gratitude Journaling Initiation and Outcomes," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 24(1), pages 57-78, January.
    2. Esther Yuet Ying Lau & Xingzhou Zhang & Rong-wei Sun & John Chi-Kin Lee, 2024. "“The Sum Is Greater Than the Parts?”—The Role of Student Covitality in Flourishing," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 25(5), pages 1-22, June.
    3. Bin Li & Qin Zhu & Aimei Li & Rubo Cui, 2023. "Can Good Memories of the Past Instill Happiness? Nostalgia Improves Subjective Well-Being by Increasing Gratitude," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 24(2), pages 699-715, February.

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