From the Author: Surprising Findings from the Science of Gratitude
The science of gratitude has revealed a number of surprising and counterintuitive findings. Among these:
Thanking is Thinking
Students who practice gratitude increase their grade point average.
Less is More
Occasional gratitude journaling boosts well-being more than does the regular practice of counting blessings.
Remember the Bad
Remembering one’s sorrows, failures, and other painful experiences is more beneficial to happiness than recalling only successes.
Seize the Day
Becoming aware that a very pleasant experience is about to end enhances feelings of gratitude for it.
The George Bailey Effect
Thinking about the absence of something positive in your life produces more gratitude and happiness than imagining its presence.
The Eccentric Privilege of Life
Reflecting about one’s own death produces an increase in gratitude in comparison to two control conditions.
Pass the Tissues
Watching a tear-jerker increases gratitude more than does watching a comedy film.
Gratitude Deficit Disorder
Although women are more grateful than men, people who benefit most from gratitude journaling are those men who are initially less grateful before they begin to journal.