The Effect of Gratitude Journaling on Conflict Resolution in Intimate Dyadic Relationships

This study examined the effect of a gratitude journaling intervention on conflict resolution in intimate dyadic relationships via an experimental design. It was hypothesized that mindfully eliciting daily awareness and experiences of gratitude would produce a significant decrease in the adoption of negative conflict resolution styles and an increase in positive conflict resolution strategies. Participants randomly assigned to either a treatment or placebo group were tasked to complete a 15-day gratitude journaling intervention or a 15-day placebo journaling exercise, respectively. All participants answered the Conflict Resolution Style Index (CRSI) immediately before and after the journaling intervention, and at a follow-up posttest another two weeks after. Differences between placebo and treatment groups were analyzed via independent samples t-tests and changes across testing phases within groups were evaluated via repeated measures ANOVA. Thematic analyses of journal entries and interviews with treatment participants further explored the scope of the gratitude experience. Between-group and within-group analyses indicate that participation in a gratitude journaling intervention resulted in increased adoption of more positive conflict resolution styles and decreased adherence to negative conflict resolution styles. The Broaden and Build Phenomenon is inferred as the underlying mechanism that produced these positive effects.