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Gratitude, Emotional Intelligence, and Life Satisfaction Among Older Adults: Evidence for a Broaden-and-Build Model or an Amplification Model?

Author

Listed:
  • Olivia D. Chang

    (University of Michigan)

  • Nicolás Sánchez-Álvarez

    (University of Málaga)

  • Lourdes Rey

    (University of Málaga)

  • Natalio Extremera

    (University of Málaga)

  • Misu Kwon

    (Yonsei University)

  • Mingqi Li

    (DePaul University)

Abstract

The present study was concerned with how gratitude and facets of emotional intelligence (i.e., self-emotions appraisal, others-emotions appraisal, use of emotion, & regulation of emotion) are related to life satisfaction in older adults. Two models were examined in a sample of 191 Spanish older adults: (1) a broaden-and-build model, in which gratitude might be associated with greater life satisfaction by broadening and building facets of emotional intelligence; and (2) an amplification model, in which gratitude might interact with facets of emotional intelligence to amplify life satisfaction. In examining a broaden-and-build model, mediation analysis indicated that gratitude was associated with greater life satisfaction in older adults via broadening one’s use of emotions. In addition, in examining an amplification model, we found evidence of an Others-Emotions Appraisal × Gratitude interaction effect, such that the life satisfaction of older adults with an adept understanding of others’ emotions was enhanced by dispositional gratitude. The present study contributes to the extant literature by delineating specific pathways by which gratitude and emotional intelligence influence life satisfaction among older adults. Our findings provide evidence of potential strengths-based mechanisms to support older adult life satisfaction. In addition to existing therapies and psychoeducational interventions, it would seem valuable for practitioners to not only consider ways to promote older adults’ gratitude, but also the use of emotions, and adept appraisal of others’ emotions to facilitate their life satisfaction.

Suggested Citation

  • Olivia D. Chang & Nicolás Sánchez-Álvarez & Lourdes Rey & Natalio Extremera & Misu Kwon & Mingqi Li, 2022. "Gratitude, Emotional Intelligence, and Life Satisfaction Among Older Adults: Evidence for a Broaden-and-Build Model or an Amplification Model?," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 23(6), pages 2597-2611, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:23:y:2022:i:6:d:10.1007_s10902-022-00515-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-022-00515-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lourdes Rey & Natalio Extremera & Nicolás Sánchez-Álvarez, 2019. "Clarifying The Links Between Perceived Emotional Intelligence and Well-Being in Older People: Pathways Through Perceived Social Support from Family and Friends," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 14(1), pages 221-235, March.
    2. Edward C. Chang & Olivia D. Chang & Shanmukh V. Kamble, 2019. "Examining the Relationship Between Positive Mood and Life Satisfaction in Easterners and Westerners: Is Feeling Good Associated with Building Agency, Broadening Pathways, or Both?," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 20(7), pages 2159-2172, October.
    3. Aneta Przepiorka & Malgorzata Sobol-Kwapinska, 2021. "People with Positive Time Perspective are More Grateful and Happier: Gratitude Mediates the Relationship Between Time Perspective and Life Satisfaction," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 22(1), pages 113-126, January.
    4. Briana L. Robustelli & Mark A. Whisman, 2018. "Gratitude and Life Satisfaction in the United States and Japan," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 19(1), pages 41-55, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Hongcui Yang & Chuqiao Liang & Yue Liang & Ying Yang & Peilian Chi & Xianglong Zeng & Qinglu Wu, 2023. "Association of Gratitude With Individual and Organizational Outcomes Among Volunteers: An Application of Broaden-and-Build Theory of Positive Emotions," SAGE Open, , vol. 13(4), pages 21582440231, December.

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