Gratitude, positive emotion, and satisfaction with life: A test of mediated effect
Chih-Che Lin (National Taipei University of Technology), 2019, 47(4), e4398.

“Thank you!” We hear these two simple words every day, but did you know that gratitude may have an impact on our satisfaction with life and, in turn, impact our general well-being? 

In this thought-provoking study, Chih-Che Lin found that gratitude not only has an impact on our satisfaction with life indirectly through positive emotions, but that it also influences satisfaction with life directly (p. 6). Lin found that gratitude amplified the experience of positive emotions, such as joy, contentment, and happiness. More of these positive emotions led to greater satisfaction with life. 

This amplifying effect highlights the value of gratitude: having a grateful attitude brings benefits to many aspects of life, for example, our relationships and health, and as a result, leads to improved well-being.

We all at times forget to show and feel appreciation for things we have and receive, but as these results show, this may be hurting our well-being more than we realize. So, “don’t forget the magic words (thank you)!” If you do you might be missing out on opportunities to experience greater satisfaction with life – and who doesn’t want that?.

Allana Cruz | Editorial Assistant
Social Behavior and Personality: an international journal