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Does Gratitude Promote Resilience During a Pandemic? An Examination of Mental Health and Positivity at the Onset of COVID-19

Author

Listed:
  • Shaina A. Kumar

    (University of Nebraska-Lincoln)

  • Madison E. Edwards

    (University of Nebraska-Lincoln)

  • Hanna M. Grandgenett

    (University of Nebraska-Lincoln)

  • Lisa L. Scherer

    (University of Nebraska-Omaha)

  • David DiLillo

    (University of Nebraska-Lincoln)

  • Anna E. Jaffe

    (University of Nebraska-Lincoln)

Abstract

Researchers have emphasized the detrimental effects of COVID-19 on mental health, but less attention has been given to personal strengths promoting resilience during the pandemic. One strength might be gratitude, which supports wellbeing amidst adversity. A two-wave examination of 201 college students revealed anxiety symptom severity increased to a lesser extent from pre-COVID (January–March 2020) to onset-COVID (April 2020) among those who reported greater pre-COVID gratitude. A similar trend appeared for depression symptom severity. Gratitude was also correlated with less negative changes in outlook, greater positive changes in outlook, and endorsement of positive experiences resulting from COVID-19. Thematic analysis showed “strengthened interpersonal connections” and “more time” were the most commonly reported positive experiences. Overall findings suggest gratitude lessened mental health difficulties and fostered positivity at the onset of the pandemic, but more research is needed to determine whether gratitude and other strengths promote resilience as COVID-19 continues.

Suggested Citation

  • Shaina A. Kumar & Madison E. Edwards & Hanna M. Grandgenett & Lisa L. Scherer & David DiLillo & Anna E. Jaffe, 2022. "Does Gratitude Promote Resilience During a Pandemic? An Examination of Mental Health and Positivity at the Onset of COVID-19," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 23(7), pages 3463-3483, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:23:y:2022:i:7:d:10.1007_s10902-022-00554-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-022-00554-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Amelia Dennis & Jane Ogden, 2022. "Nostalgia, Gratitude, or Optimism: The Impact of a Two-Week Intervention on Well-Being During COVID-19," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 23(6), pages 2613-2634, August.
    2. Nelson-Coffey, S. Katherine & O'Brien, Mary M. & Braunstein, Bailey M. & Mickelson, Kristin D. & Ha, Thao, 2021. "Health behavior adherence and emotional adjustment during the COVID-19 pandemic in a US nationally representative sample: The roles of prosocial motivation and gratitude," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 284(C).
    3. Aleksander Aristovnik & Damijana Keržič & Dejan Ravšelj & Nina Tomaževič & Lan Umek, 2020. "Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Life of Higher Education Students: A Global Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(20), pages 1-34, October.
    4. Da Jiang & Ming Ming Chiu & Shuang Liu, 2022. "Daily Positive Support and Perceived Stress During COVID-19 Outbreak: The Role of Daily Gratitude Within Couples," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 23(1), pages 65-79, January.
    5. Erin M. Fekete & Nathan T. Deichert, 2022. "A Brief Gratitude Writing Intervention Decreased Stress and Negative Affect During the COVID-19 Pandemic," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 23(6), pages 2427-2448, August.
    6. Nicole Casali & Tommaso Feraco & Marta Ghisi & Chiara Meneghetti, 2021. "“Andrà tutto bene”: Associations Between Character Strengths, Psychological Distress and Self-efficacy During Covid-19 Lockdown," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 22(5), pages 2255-2274, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Lina Martinez & Lina Sofia Valenzuela & Victoria Eugenia Soto, 2022. "Well-Being amongst College Students during COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from a Developing Country," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(24), pages 1-17, December.
    2. Zane Asher Green & Sophie Rizwan, 2023. "Art-of-Living Intervention Imparted Through a Blended Learning Approach to Nurture Positivity Among Pakistan’s University Students During COVID-19: A Growth Curve Analysis," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 24(6), pages 1931-1962, August.

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