Results of a 14-Day Challenge to Improve Dispositional Gratitude in an Academic Nursing Setting.

Abstract

Background: The benefits of engaging in regular, intentional gratitude practice have been well studied. Interventions incorporating simple gratitude practices, such as the 3 Good Things exercise, may be ideal for increasing dispositional gratitude levels within an academic setting.

Purpose: To assess the impact of a 14-day gratitude-focused wellness intervention on increasing gratitude levels among nursing students, faculty, and staff.

Methods: Students, faculty, and staff from one College of Nursing were invited to participate in a 14-day gratitude challenge. The Gratitude Resentment and Appreciation Scale - Short Form assessed gratitude levels pre- and post-challenge.

Results: Dispositional gratitude scores increased significantly among participants overall (P = .006). Furthermore, dispositional gratitude levels increased significantly regardless of whether participants were already using a tool to practice gratitude at the start of the challenge.

Conclusions: Results demonstrate that a 14-day gratitude-focused intervention can improve dispositional gratitude levels among members of the academic nursing community.