How does gratitude affect depression

Does dispositional gratitude improve women's mood and, as a result, help them cope with depressive symptoms? A group of researchers from SWPS University's Institute of Psychology, including Joanna Tomczyk, Professor John Nezlek, and Professor Izabela Krejtz, addressed this question.

#gratitude #acceptance of illness #depression #anxiety #well-being #women's health

What we researched:

The relationship between dispositional gratitude, well-being, and acceptance of illness in women at risk of clinical depression.

How we did it:

The researchers examined 131 women. Thirty-five participants had been diagnosed with depression at some point in their lives before the study. Ninety-six participants had never received a formal diagnosis of depression but met the criteria for being at risk of depression. The participants were surveyed on their well-being, level of anxiety, and general acceptance of illness.

Why is it important?

The study has indicated that women with elevated depressive symptoms who were more grateful were more accepting of their condition. That, in turn, increased their well-being and reduced their anxiety levels and other depressive symptoms.