More than Merely Positive: The Immediate Affective and Motivational Consequences of Gratitude

Although gratitude is typically conceptualized as a positive emotion, it may also induce socially oriented negative feelings, such indebtedness and guilt. Given its mixed emotional experience, we argue that motivates people to improve themselves in important life domains. Two single-timepoint studies tested the immediate motivational effects of expressing gratitude. We recruited employees (n = 224) from French companies Study 1 students 1026) U.S. high schools 2. Participants both were randomly assigned either write letters benefactors or outline their weekly activities (control condition). Expressing led experiences (e.g., greater elevation indebtedness) for compared with control group. Students felt more motivated capable improving themselves, well conveyed stronger intentions muster effort towards self-improvement endeavors.