Gratitude and Well-Being: The Benefits of Appreciation – NCBI

Published in the peer-reviewed journal Psychiatry (Edgemont), this article offers a deep dive into the psychological and emotional benefits of gratitude, especially in the context of mental health and therapy. It explains that individuals who regularly practice gratitude experience higher levels of positive emotion, increased optimism, and better social connection. Unlike fleeting happiness, gratitude tends to create lasting improvements in overall life satisfaction.

The article draws from empirical studies, including interventions in which participants were asked to write gratitude letters or journal about positive aspects of their lives. In most cases, participants reported feeling happier, more peaceful, and less isolated. Interestingly, these benefits were not limited to the short term, many participants sustained their improved mood and outlook weeks or even months later. This suggests that gratitude has the potential to rewire emotional habits and even shift one’s mental baseline.

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