title: No thanks! Autonomous interpersonal style is associated with less experience and valuing of gratitude.
abstract: Gratitude has been promoted as a beneficial emotional experience. However, gratitude is not universally experienced as positive. The current work examines whether an autonomous interpersonal style is associated with differential experience of gratitude. Study 1 found an inverse relationship between trait autonomy and both trait gratitude and positivity of response to receiving a hypothetical benefit from a friend. Study 2 replicated the finding that those higher in autonomy report less trait gratitude, and also demonstrated an inverse relationship between autonomy and valuing gratitude. Study 3 found that those higher in autonomy had more self-image goals and reduced compassionate goals in relationships, and that valuing gratitude mediated the relationship between autonomy and relationship goals. These results show a consistent inverse relationship between autonomy and the experience and valuing of gratitude, suggesting that degree of autonomy is one determinant of whether gratitude is experienced as positive.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Psychology , American University , Washington , DC , USA.
authors.forename: Suzanne C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Parker
authors.affiliation: a Department of Psychology , American University , Washington , DC , USA.
authors.forename: Haseeb
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Majid
authors.affiliation: a Department of Psychology , American University , Washington , DC , USA.
authors.forename: Kate L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Stewart
authors.affiliation: a Department of Psychology , American University , Washington , DC , USA.
authors.forename: Anthony H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Ahrens
mesh_terms: D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D012649:Self Concept; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Positive emotions; autonomy; gratitude; interpersonal functioning; relationship goals