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Gratitude Facts & Worksheets

A feeling similar to appreciation is gratitude. The American Psychological Association more precisely describes this phenomenon as a feeling of joy and thanks in reaction to a fortunate coincidence or material gift.

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A feeling similar to appreciation is gratitude. The American Psychological Association more precisely describes this phenomenon as a feeling of joy and gratitude in reaction to a fortunate coincidence or material gift.

See the fact file below for more information about Gratitude, or you can download our 20-page Gratitude worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

  • The word “Gratitude” is derived from the Latin word gratus, which means “pleasing” or “thankful”. Ingratitude or ungratefulness refers to the lack of gratitude in situations where it is expected.
  • Many different global religions have included gratitude. Philosophers from antiquity, the Middle Ages, and current times have all been interested in the subject.
  • The study of psychology makes an effort to comprehend the therapeutic effects of gratitude as well as the short-term experience of the grateful response (state gratitude), individual differences in how frequently appreciation is felt (trait gratitude), and the relationship between these two.

GRATITUDE VS INDEBTEDNESS

  • Some claim that being grateful and being indebted are two different things. While both feelings may arise in reaction to assistance or favors, indebtedness manifests when a person feels obligated to offer recompense or return for the assistance. A recipient may be motivated by feelings of indebtedness to avoid the person who aided them, but a recipient may be motivated by feelings of appreciation to seek out their benefactor and strengthen their relationship with them.
  • A happy emotion that develops after receiving a favor is gratitude. There are two views that explain why it’s significant in creating wholesome connections.
  • FIND-REMIND-BIND. In this situation, people are reminded of the source of the feeling, the person who started it, and the personal sense of gratitude that connects them to the source. This further solidifies the bond between the “giver” and the “receiver.“
  • MORAL AFFECT THEORY. It claims that, like empathy, guilt, shame, etc., gratitude is a moral emotion. Because of this, thankfulness can also be seen as a moral reinforcer; as a result, when one party benefits, they are inspired and driven to treat others well.
  • INDEBTEDNESS is an uncomfortable emotion brought on by the urge to pay back the source of the advantage.
  • The reciprocity norm, which suggests that people should aid and not hurt those who have helped them, is where this emotional state originates. People who feel indebted may take extraordinary measures to try to repay people and think, “I have to” rather than “I want to.” Restructuring the concepts that first sparked the sentiments of obligation is another method people can justify them.

RELIGIOUS APPROACHES

  • Although spirituality and thankfulness are not mutually exclusive, research show that spirituality can improve one’s capacity for gratitude. It is recognized as a universal religious sentiment and is one of the most prevalent emotions that religions seek to generate and retain in their adherents.
  • JUDAISM. Gratitude is a major component of Jewish worship and permeates every element of a worshipper’s life. Since everything in the Hebrew worldview is a gift from God, Judaism adherents place a premium on appreciation. 
  • CHRISTIAN. Gratitude is still regarded as “the heart of the gospel” and was described as “the basic Christian attitude” by Martin Luther. Christians are encouraged to thank and honor their creator. Because God is viewed in Christian appreciation as the selfless giver of all good things, gratitude creates a relationship between Christians and molds every area of a follower’s life. 
  • ISLAMIC. Islam promotes gratitude in several of its practices. The pillar of fasting throughout the month of Ramadan is intended to place the believer in a condition of thankfulness, as is the pillar of daily prayer, which calls for five times of prayer to Allah each day in order to express gratitude for his goodness.

SIGNS AND MEASURES OF GRATITUDE

  • So, how does gratitude become apparent? How can you recognize when you are feeling grateful? There are many ways to express your gratitude and appreciation for what you have. 
  • Considering for a moment the things in your life for which you are grateful.
  • Taking a moment to appreciate and reflect on something beautiful or amazing you see every day.
  • Expressing gratitude for your health.
  • Expressing gratitude for a person’s contribution to your life and the good it has brought.
  • Demonstrating your appreciation by acting kindly toward others.
  • Focusing on the little things that make you happy and peaceful in life.
  • Gratitude-focused meditation or prayer.
  • By asking yourself the following questions, you can assess your propensity for feeling grateful.
  • Do you believe that you have many things in life for which to be grateful?
  • Would your gratitude list be very long if you wrote down everything for which you are grateful?
  • Do you often have feelings of appreciation for someone or something?
  • You probably have a strong sense of gratitude if you responded positively to the majority of these questions. 

TYPES OF GRATITUDE

  • AS AN AFFECTIVE TRAIT. Gratitude is an affective trait, which means it affects a person’s overall outlook. Gratitude comes more easily to some people than to others.
  • AS A MOOD. Gratitude can change over time because it is a mood. People may go through phases where they feel more thankful all the time, and then they may experience this less frequently.
  • AS AN EMOTION. Gratitude is an emotion that lasts only briefly and is felt in the present.  

HOW TO PRACTICE GRATITUDE?

  • It is not difficult or complex to cultivate gratitude. It doesn’t call for any specialized equipment or training. And the more you do it, the better you’ll get at it and the more grateful you’ll feel.
  • OBSERVE THE MOMENT. Spend a moment focusing on your experience and your feelings. 
  • WRITE IT DOWN. When you are having trouble feeling grateful, it can be helpful to be able to reflect on these observations.
  • SAVOR THE MOMENT. Put your attention on the experience and give yourself permission to feel good.
  • GRATITUDE RITUALS. Rituals that can promote a greater sense of gratitude include meditation, prayer, and mantra.
  • GIVE THANKS. You can express your gratitude by thanking someone or just taking a moment to mentally acknowledge all that you have.

HEALTH BENEFITS

  • Both physical and psychological health can benefit greatly from the practice of gratitude. The advantages of gratitude, as discovered by researchers, include:
  • Improved sleep
  • Enhanced immunity
  • Increased self-esteem
  • Reduced stress
  • Blood pressure reduction
  • Reduced stress and depression
  • Stronger connections
  • An increased optimism
  • Gratitude makes more connections possible. Not only is saying “thank you” polite, but expressing gratitude can also make new friends.
  • Positivity enhances psychological well-being. Gratitude lessens a wide range of negative emotions, such as envy, resentment, frustration, and regret. 
  • Being grateful increases empathy and decreases aggression. Even when others act cruelly, grateful people are more likely to behave in a social environment.
  • According to studies, gratitude lowers social comparisons. People who are grateful are able to appreciate other people’s accomplishments rather than developing resentment toward those who have more money or better jobs, which is a significant contributor to lower self-esteem.

Gratitude Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Gratitude across 20 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Gratitude. A feeling similar to appreciation is gratitude. The American Psychological Association more precisely describes this phenomenon as a feeling of joy and gratitude in reaction to a fortunate coincidence or material gift.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. Gratitude Facts
  2. GQ6
  3. What’s in the Mail?
  4. The Habit
  5. Count Your Blessings!
  6. Forrest Gump
  7. I Pray
  8. Gratitude Meditation
  9. Before and After
  10. Thank You in a Snap!
  11. Mirror, Mirror

Frequently Asked Questions

What is gratitude?

Gratitude is a positive emotion and attitude characterized by the appreciation and thankfulness for the good things and people in one’s life. It involves recognizing and acknowledging the value of what you have, rather than focusing on what you lack.

Why is gratitude important?

Gratitude has several benefits for individuals and society. It can improve mental and emotional well-being, reduce stress, increase happiness, enhance relationships, and even have physical health benefits. Practicing gratitude can also foster a sense of contentment and help individuals focus on the positive aspects of life.

How can one cultivate gratitude?

There are various ways to cultivate gratitude, including:

  • Keeping a gratitude journal where you regularly write down things you are thankful for.
  • Expressing appreciation to people who have had a positive impact on your life.
  • Practicing mindfulness and being present in the moment to notice and savor the good things around you.
  • Volunteering or helping others, which can make you appreciate what you have.
  • Reflecting on challenging experiences and finding lessons or silver linings within them.

What are the effects of gratitude on mental health?

Gratitude is associated with numerous positive effects on mental health. It can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, increase overall life satisfaction, and improve self-esteem. When individuals focus on the positive aspects of their lives and express gratitude, it can create a more optimistic and resilient mindset.

How does gratitude benefit relationships?

Gratitude can enhance relationships by fostering a sense of connection, trust, and mutual appreciation. When people express gratitude to one another, it strengthens their bond and creates a positive feedback loop. Reciprocal expressions of gratitude can lead to greater satisfaction and harmony in relationships, whether they are personal or professional.

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Link will appear as Gratitude Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, November 3, 2023

Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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