title: Feeling Thanks and Saying Thanks: A Randomized Controlled Trial Examining If and How Socially Oriented Gratitude Journals Work.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study examined the effect of a reflective interpersonal gratitude journal, a reflective-behavioral interpersonal gratitude journal and an active control journal, on primary qualities of well-being and depression.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants (n = 192; 67.2% female) completed this 3-month longitudinal randomized controlled design.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants in the reflective-behavioral condition experienced the greatest improvements in affect balance and reductions in depression at immediate posttest. Both gratitude interventions improved affect balance at 1 month, compared to the control. Changes in affect balance for those in the reflective-behavioral condition were mediated by the rate at which people expressed gratitude in their existing relationships. This effect was moderated by participant's baseline depressive status.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Expressing felt gratitude to others appears to be a crucial step in deriving benefits, and these benefits may not be limited to the emotionally healthy. Given the applied popularity of gratitude interventions, understanding not only if but also how they work is essential.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Social Issues Research, Study of Anxiety, Stress and Health Lab, University of Limerick.
authors.forename: Brenda H
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: O'Connell
authors.affiliation: Kemmy Business School, University of Limerick.
authors.forename: Deirdre
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: O'Shea
authors.affiliation: Centre for Social Issues Research, Study of Anxiety, Stress and Health Lab, University of Limerick.|Health Research Institute, University of Limerick.
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gallagher
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003863:Depression / Q000628:therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004644:Emotions / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: gratitude; psychological intervention; randomized controlled trial; well-being