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| Gratitude in 6 Dimensions Geoffrey W. Sutton, PhD |
Gratitude can be understood as an attitude of appreciation—an affective experience characterized by pleasant feelings and thoughts about the positive people, events, and benefits in one’s life (Sutton, 2020). It is not only an internal state but also a behavioral expression, often reflected in gestures such as smiling or verbal acknowledgments of thanks.
Today’s reminder: gratitude isn’t an event. It’s a way of being.
Cite this Post
Sutton, G. W. (2020, February 19). Gratitude psychology. Psychology Concepts and Theories. https://suttonpsychology.blogspot.com/2020/02/gratitude-psychology.html
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Empirical findings consistently associate gratitude with improved health outcomes. Individuals who report higher levels of gratitude tend to experience lower blood pressure, longer and more restorative sleep, and better overall self‑care. They also describe fewer physical complaints, including everyday aches and pains.
Psychologically, gratitude correlates strongly with other positive emotions. People high in gratitude frequently report greater alertness, joy, optimism, and happiness.
Socially, gratitude contributes to stronger and more prosocial relationships. It is linked with forgiveness, generosity, compassion, and helpfulness. Those who cultivate gratitude often feel less lonely and are more inclined toward social engagement.
Within the SCOPES Framework, gratitude spans multiple domains. As an emotion, it belongs to E (Emotional Functioning). Grateful thoughts fall within C (Cognition), and behavioral expressions of gratitude align with O (Observable Behavior). The associated health benefits reflect P (Physical Functioning). Gratitude may also influence the Self, particularly through identity and spirituality. Finally, gratitude is inherently embedded in Social Context, shaping and shaped by interpersonal interactions.
Gratitude is one of those rare experiences that lights up every SCOPES domain. Feel it. Think it. Express it. Live it.
Several researchers are associated with gratitude science.
Robert Emmons is the leading expert. He is professor at the University of California, Davis. He has published many articles and books on the subject.
Michael McCullough, Professor of Psychology, University of Miami
See also the other names in the reference list below.
Read more about gratitude, which is chapter 4 in Living Well available on AMAZON and other fine booksellers in many countries.
Related Posts
How to measure gratitude
Grateful People: The Psychology of Gratitude
*Big 12 features of Gratitude
*How to develop gratitude - journals and more
Post Author
Geoffrey W. Sutton, Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Evangel University, holds a master’s degree in counseling and a PhD in psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia. His postdoctoral work encompassed education and supervision in forensic and neuropsychology. As a licensed psychologist, he conducted clinical and neuropsychological evaluations and provided psychotherapy for patients in various settings, including schools, hospitals, and private offices. During his tenure as a professor, Dr. Sutton taught courses on psychotherapy, assessment, and research. He has authored over one hundred publications, including books, book chapters, and articles in peer-reviewed psychology journals.
His website is https://suttong.com You can find Dr. Sutton's books on AMAZON and GOOGLE. Many publications are free to download at ResearchGate and Academia
Some Gratitude References
Algoe, S.B. & Stanton, A.L. (2012).
Gratitude when it is needed most: Social functions of gratitude in women with
metastatic breast cancer. Emotion, 12, 163-168. DOI: 10.1037/a0024024
Emmons, R. A., & Crumpler, C. A.
(2000). Gratitude as a human strength: Appraising the evidence. Journal of
Social and Clinical Psychology, 19, 56-69.
Emmons, R. A., & Kneezel, T. T.(2005).
Giving thanks: Spiritual and religious correlates of gratitude. Journal of
Psychology and Christianity, 24, 140-148.
Emmons, R. A., & McCullough, M. E.
(2003). Counting blessings versus burdens: Experimental studies of gratitude
and subjective well-being in daily life. Journal of Personality and Social
Psychology, 84, 377-389.
Froh, J. J., Bono, G., & Emmons, R. A.
(2010). Being grateful is beyond good manners: Gratitude and motivation to
contribute to society among early adolescents. Motivation and Emotion, 34,
144-157.
Froh, J., Sefick, W. J., & Emmons, R.
A. (2008). Counting blessings in early adolescents: An experimental study of
gratitude and subjective well-being.
Journal of School Psychology, 46,
213-233.
Kashdan, T.B., Mishra, A., Breen, W. E.,
& Froh, J.J. (2009). Gender differences in gratitude: Examining appraisals,
narratives, the willingness to express emotions, and changes in psychological
needs. Journal of Personality, 77, 691-730. DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-6494.2009.00562.x
McCullough, M. E., Emmons, R. A., &
Tsang, J. (2002). The grateful disposition: A conceptual and empirical
topography. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 82-112-127.
Rash, J.A., Matsuba, M.K., & Prkachin,
K.M. (2011). Gratitude and well-being: Who benefits the most from a gratitude
intervention? Applied psychology: Health and well-being, 3, 350-369. DOI:
10.1111/j.1758-0854.2011.01058.x
Toepfer, S.M., Cichy, K., & Peters, P.
(2012). Letters of gratitude: Further evidence for author benefits. Journal of
Happiness Studies, 13, 187-201. DOI: 10.1007/s10902-011-9257-7
Toussaint, L. & Friedman, P. (2009).
Forgiveness, gratitude, and well-geing: The mediating role of affect and
beliefs. Journal of Happiness Studies, 10, 635-654. DOI:
10.1007/s10902-008-9111-8
Tsang, J., Ashleigh, S., & Carlisle,
R.D. (2012). An experimental test of the relationship between religion and
gratitude. Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, 4, 40-55. DOI: 10.1037/a0025632
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