Gratitude and Subjective Well-Being

Author:
  • PWPhilip C. Watkins
    Philip C. Watkins

Abstract
This chapter examines how the conscious practice of gratitude can help transform individuals’ emotional lives. It evaluates previous research that indicates that gratitude has a causal influence on mood, especially positive mood. It stresses the need for a critical examination of research on gratitude and well-being and argues that the cultivation of grateful emotions might be efficacious in the treatment and prevention of depressed affect.