Weekly Top Five Articles: Thanksgiving Edition
The importance of gratitude
This week, I’m posting a list of articles on the importance of gratitude. The data clearly shows that gratitude is one of the best protections against anxiety, depression, and suicide. In a culture characterized by complaining and consumption, driven by advertising and social media that lie to us about how deprived our lives are because of what we don’t have, gratitude is essential for well-being and hope. Here’s a list of articles. . .
(1) Waddelove, Claire. 2024. “Gratitude and Thanksgiving.” Cistercian Studies Quarterly 59 (1): 113–20. https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=96f90d9f-433e-316d-acfa-f01eae0713f8.
In her reflection on gratitude and thanksgiving, Claire Waddelove, OSB, invites us to embrace a life of continual gratitude, grounded in the Eucharist and modeled after Christ. Drawing from Scripture, the Church Fathers, and saints, Waddelove illustrates how thanksgiving is both an essential Christian duty and a profound spiritual practice.
The Gospel reminds us of the danger of ingratitude, as seen when Jesus laments the nine lepers who failed to give thanks for their healing (Luke 17:15-18). Saint Paul, too, links humanity's moral decline to a lack of gratitude toward God (Romans 1:21). Jewish tradition, rich in prayers of blessing (berakoth), served as the foundation for Jesus’ own prayers of thanksgiving—whether at the Last Supper, the feeding of the 5,000, or before raising Lazarus. Pope Benedict XVI highlights that Jesus’ thanksgiving, even in the face of betrayal, anticipated the Resurrection and expressed trust in God’s redemptive plan.
The Eucharist itself, rooted in Jesus’ thanksgiving, is the Church’s supreme act of gratitude—a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to the Father for creation, redemption, and sanctification. Through the Eucharistic Prayer, the faithful join in Christ’s self-offering, expressing gratitude not only in word but through adoration and self-surrender.
Waddelove underscores that gratitude extends beyond prayer to our daily lives. Saint Basil encourages thanksgiving for even the smallest blessings: food, drink, clothing, or the beauty of creation. Saints such as Augustine, Clement of Alexandria, and Thomas More exemplify how gratitude transforms even adversity into trust in God’s providence. More famously wrote to his family, thanking God for the loss of material goods, seeing divine wisdom in every trial.
In thanksgiving, we acknowledge that all we have and are comes from God. This humility combats pride, aligns us with God’s will, and fosters spiritual growth. Gratitude expressed authentically—both in prayer and in loving actions—leads us closer to God. As Waddelove reminds us, the liturgy of the Mass and the Divine Office offer daily opportunities to praise and thank God, even in difficult circumstances, preparing us for the eternal thanksgiving of heaven.
Let us join the psalmist in proclaiming: “Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless his holy name!” (Psalm 103:1). May our lives reflect this spirit of continual gratitude, glorifying God in all things.
(2) Spencer, Mark K. 2024. “Manifestations of Gratitude: Wonder, Joy, Festivity, Hope.” Logos: A Journal of Catholic Thought & Culture 27 (4): 10–29. doi:10.1353/log.2024.a939443.
Mark K. Spencer’s Manifestations of Gratitude: Wonder, Joy, Festivity, and Hope explores how gratitude is more than a simple "thank you"—it is a transformative virtue that reveals our place in the cosmos and our relationship to God. Drawing from Catholic personalist philosophers like Dietrich von Hildebrand, Josef Pieper, and Romano Guardini, Spencer synthesizes a view of gratitude that intertwines theology, philosophy, and lived experience.
Gratitude, according to the Catholic personalist tradition, cannot remain an interior feeling or a transactional response. Instead, it flows outward, manifesting in acts and attitudes such as wonder, joy, festivity, and hope. These manifestations allow us to glimpse the divine nature of reality and our participation in the life of God.
Key Insights:
Gratitude and the Gift of Reality:
Gratitude opens us to the recognition that all of reality is a gift. From the smallest kindness to the vast beauty of creation, everything is gratuitous and undeserved, revealing the personal and loving heart of the Giver. To see the world as a gift transforms how we interact with it: gratitude leads to wonder and awe, which, as G.K. Chesterton said, is "happiness doubled by wonder."The Eucharist as the Summit of Gratitude:
The Eucharist, which means "thanksgiving," exemplifies the ultimate act of gratitude. In the Mass, the faithful express gratitude not only for creation and redemption but for the self-gift of Christ. This act of thanksgiving is rooted in humility, as we acknowledge our dependence on God and share in the life of the Trinity.Gratitude Transcends Justice:
Unlike justice, which seeks equality and fairness, gratitude involves giving and receiving without obligation or expectation. Gratitude allows for vulnerability and the self-giving of persons, which deepens relationships beyond mere transactions. This openness mirrors God’s grace, which is freely given and never earned.Manifestations of Gratitude:
Wonder: Gratitude begins with awe at the beauty and giftedness of creation. To be grateful is to see all things as gratuitous, reflecting the creative generosity of God.
Joy: True gratitude brings joy, a deep satisfaction in the gift received. This joy is not superficial but spiritual, welling up naturally as we embrace the goodness of gifts and their giver.
Festivity and Hope: Gratitude inspires celebration, drawing people together to honor shared blessings. It also fosters hope, as the acknowledgment of past gifts strengthens trust in future providence.
Gratitude as Participation in the Divine Life:
Through gratitude, we are drawn into the very life of the Trinity. The mutual giving and receiving within the Godhead is mirrored in our experience of gratitude, making it not only a human virtue but a sharing in divine love.
Spencer’s exploration reminds us that gratitude is foundational to a flourishing life. It reorients us toward humility, joy, and love, allowing us to participate in the dynamic, relational nature of God. As von Hildebrand observed, gratitude transforms the heart, revealing that “everything is grace.”
(3) Watkins, Philip, Michael Frederick, and Don E Davis. 2022. “Gratitude to God Predicts Religious Well-Being over Time.” Religions 13 (8): 1–13. doi:10.3390/rel13080675.
A recent study by Philip Watkins, Michael Frederick, and Don E. Davis, Gratitude to God Predicts Religious Well-Being over Time, highlights the transformative role of gratitude to God in deepening religious well-being. Using a prospective design, the researchers explored how dispositional gratitude to God influences spiritual intimacy, religious commitment, and overall well-being over time.
Key Findings
Gratitude to God Deepens Religious Connection:
The study found that individuals with high levels of gratitude to God reported an increased sense of nearness to God, stronger religious commitment, and enhanced spiritual well-being over time. Gratitude acted as a "moral barometer," helping believers feel favored and affirmed in their relationship with the divine.Gratitude as a Unique Spiritual Practice:
Gratitude to God distinguishes itself from general gratitude by amplifying the perception of blessings as divine gifts. This perspective fosters a deeper appreciation for life’s goodness and enhances the emotional and spiritual connection with God.Community and Commitment:
Expressing gratitude to God within faith communities strengthened bonds among believers. This gratitude also motivated moral and religious behaviors, reinforcing the alignment of personal values with spiritual practices.The Amplifying Effect of Gratitude:
Building on general gratitude theories, the researchers proposed that gratitude to God amplifies the perception of blessings, expanding the "gratitude span." Believers are more likely to see all positive experiences as intentional gifts from a benevolent God, enhancing both gratitude and religious satisfaction.Practical Implications:
The study suggests actionable ways to cultivate gratitude to God, such as gratitude journaling focused on divine blessings, prayer, and meditation. These practices could help believers integrate gratitude more deeply into their spiritual lives, ultimately fostering greater religious well-being.
Why It Matters
Religious well-being, particularly during challenging times, serves as a buffer against life’s adversities. This research underscores the importance of gratitude to God as a foundational practice for deepening faith, nurturing spiritual intimacy, and strengthening religious commitment. For believers, gratitude transforms life’s challenges and blessings into opportunities for spiritual growth, allowing them to, as G.K. Chesterton eloquently put it, "mix all their thoughts with thanks."
(4) Kwok, Sylvia Y. C. L., Minmin Gu, and Nelson W. Y. Tam. 2022. “A Multiple Component Positive Psychology Intervention to Reduce Anxiety and Increase Happiness in Adolescents: The Mediating Roles of Gratitude and Emotional Intelligence.” Journal of Happiness Studies 23 (5): 2039–58. doi:10.1007/s10902-021-00487-x.
A recent study by Sylvia Kwok, Minmin Gu, and Nelson Tam explored the effectiveness of a multicomponent positive psychology intervention (MPPI) for adolescents in Hong Kong. Designed for students with moderate anxiety, the program combined gratitude and emotional intelligence training to reduce anxiety and increase happiness. Here’s what the research uncovered:
Key Findings
Reduced Anxiety and Increased Happiness:
After participating in a seven-session program, students in the intervention group reported significant decreases in anxiety and increases in subjective happiness compared to a control group.Gratitude and Emotional Intelligence as Core Components:
The program’s effectiveness was linked to two key factors:Gratitude improved participants' appreciation for life’s positive aspects, which contributed to greater happiness.
Emotional Intelligence helped participants manage emotions effectively, leading to reduced anxiety and improved social interactions.
Mediating Effects:
Emotional intelligence was the primary factor mediating the reduction in anxiety.
Both gratitude and emotional intelligence mediated the increase in happiness.
Group-Based and Practical Approach:
The program included interactive activities such as gratitude journaling, creating thank-you cards, learning to recognize emotions, and practicing emotional regulation. These practical, group-based sessions fostered collaboration and engagement among participants.
Why This Matters
Adolescents often face heightened anxiety, which can harm their mental health and social relationships. This study demonstrates that integrating gratitude and emotional intelligence into a structured intervention can simultaneously alleviate anxiety and boost happiness. The program’s success underscores the potential of combining multiple positive psychology strategies to create lasting mental health benefits.
Implications for the Future
The findings highlight the need for further research on long-term outcomes and comparisons between multicomponent and single-component programs. If scaled, this MPPI could provide an accessible and cost-effective way to improve adolescent mental health in schools worldwide.
(5) Kurian, R. M.; Thomas, S. Gratitude as a path to human prosperity during adverse circumstances: a narrative review. British Journal of Guidance & Counselling, [s. l.], v. 51, n. 5, p. 739–752, 2023. DOI 10.1080/03069885.2022.2154314. Disponível em: https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=d707fa83-4c73-3f64-8d11-6b034ec57a09. Acesso em: 29 nov. 2024.
A recent narrative review by Riba Maria Kurian and Shinto Thomas highlights how gratitude can act as a transformative force, enabling individuals to not only endure adversity but also flourish amidst it. Drawing from a broad spectrum of research, the authors present gratitude as a path to human prosperity, emphasizing its profound psychological and social benefits during challenging times.
Key Insights
Gratitude Enhances Coping Skills:
Gratitude fosters meaning-focused coping and positive reframing, enabling individuals to find meaning and reinterpret challenges in a positive light. This strengthens resilience, perseverance, and emotional regulation.Broaden-and-Build Effect:
According to Fredrickson’s theory, gratitude broadens perception, promotes creative problem-solving, and builds lasting personal resources like social bonds and mental strength, crucial for enduring difficulties.Physiological and Neural Benefits:
Grateful individuals experience increased dopamine production, boosting motivation, emotional resilience, and cognitive flexibility. Neural studies also show that gratitude activates brain areas responsible for higher-order functions like mood regulation and decision-making.Social Connection and Support:
Gratitude strengthens social bonds by promoting prosocial behavior and mutual support, creating networks that offer essential resources during adversity.Practical Applications:
Simple practices like gratitude journaling or writing thank-you notes have demonstrated measurable benefits, including reduced stress, improved mental health, and increased life satisfaction.
Why It Matters
As the review underscores, gratitude is more than a fleeting emotion—it is a powerful psychological tool. By focusing on the positives, individuals can transform adversity into opportunities for growth, resilience, and enhanced well-being. In today’s uncertain world, cultivating gratitude can provide a vital counterbalance to the challenges of modern life, promoting not just survival but thriving.
Takeaway
Gratitude offers a roadmap to human prosperity by enhancing coping mechanisms, strengthening social connections, and fostering emotional resilience. Incorporating gratitude practices into daily life can unlock the potential for personal growth and fulfillment, even during the most trying circumstances.
Conclusion: Gratitude as the Foundation for Flourishing Families and Future Success
Gratitude is not just a virtue; it is a transformative force that builds resilience, fosters emotional intelligence, strengthens relationships, and deepens spiritual well-being. This rich body of research underscores the profound impact gratitude has on individuals, families, and communities.
For a good marriage, gratitude nurtures joy and appreciation between spouses, enabling them to approach challenges with humility and mutual support. The acts of giving thanks, recognizing blessings, and reframing difficulties positively strengthen the marital bond, fostering a relationship rooted in trust and love.
When it comes to raising children, gratitude becomes an invaluable tool for character formation. Teaching children to practice gratitude instills resilience, emotional regulation, and a positive outlook on life. It equips them with the emotional tools to face challenges, build strong relationships, and develop a deep sense of wonder and humility. These qualities are essential for thriving not only in childhood but throughout life.
Encouraging teenagers to make gratitude a habit before heading off to college is crucial for their transition into adulthood. College brings academic pressures, social challenges, and opportunities for independence—all of which can be overwhelming. A foundation of gratitude enables teens to navigate these experiences with emotional stability, stronger social connections, and an optimistic perspective. Gratitude fosters the ability to manage stress, build meaningful relationships, and embrace life’s opportunities with joy and perseverance.
Gratitude, practiced daily, lays the groundwork for a flourishing life. It strengthens families, deepens faith, and equips individuals to thrive in any circumstance. By cultivating this habit early, we empower the next generation to face life with confidence, resilience, and hope.