How Gratitude Connects Humans to the Best in Themselves and in Others

Abstract

Gratitude provides many advantages throughout development. This study provides a comprehensive review of research on gratitude, with a focus on understanding how it is adaptive in human development. Mounting evidence shows that gratitude is advantageous because it helps reduce antisocial behavior and pathology, protects from stress, promotes physical and mental health, improves social functioning and interpersonal relationships, and supports resilience across the lifespan. We argue that gratitude is foundational for human development and that its advantages motivate self-improvement in people and enable them to work more effectively in social environments to achieve important goals. The review closes with a focus on current issues in assessment, methods, and interventions, as research in these areas will help advance empirical understanding of gratitude’s role in human development and help inform better interventions. Overall, gratitude helps individuals find meaning and coherence in life so that they can improve themselves and elevate others.