Functions of Positive Emotions: Gratitude as a Motivator of Self-Improvement and Positive Change - Armenta, Fritz & Lyubomirsky - 2017 - Article

What are the two principal features of happiness?

According to the hedonic definition, happiness is comprised of two principal features: an effective part (comprised of frequently experiencing positive emotions, and infrequently experiencing negative emotions), and a cognitive part (reflecting a global sense of life satisfaction). To date, a growing body of research suggests that positive emotions in fact are the hallmark of happiness; they may be the driving factor in successful life outcomes of happy people.

What are positive emotions and how do they influence happiness?

Positive emotions are globally valued and frequently pursued. Whereas negative emotions evoke a narrowed cognitive focus, which may lead to survival-oriented behavior (for instance, escape from danger), positive emotions such as joy, interest, and gratitude, expand the thought-action repertoire of an individual. This broadened mindset encourages creativity, exploration, and resilience. Subsequently, it facilitates the development of personal growth. Indeed, positive emotions may be a critical mediator in the relationship between happiness and positive life outcomes. In this article, the authors argue that positive emotions do more than just feeling good; they may benefit both the individual and the people around that individual.

Research has identified at least twelve positive emotions: joy, love, gratitude, admiration, elevation, awe, serenity, interest, hope, pride, amusement, and inspiration. Each of these is linked to facilitate growth in specific personal areas. They are therefore not all equal. In particular the importance of gratitude has been recognized for centuries. Gratitude is a core component of most religions, among others Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism.

Gratitude is a state in which one endorses two facts: (1) one has perceived a positive outcome; and (2) this positive outcome came from an external source. In other words, gratitude refers to the acknowledgement that one's good fortune is attributable to someone or something else. Gratitude can be subdivided into benefit-triggered gratitude ("I am grateful that my parents paid for my education") and general ("I am grateful for my family"). The former is felt in response to a specific action by another person. The latter refers to a broader appreciation for what is important and meaningful in one's life.

Research has suggested that increases four states: connectedness, elevation, humility, and indebtedness / guilt / discomfort. These four in turn may lead to higher levels of self-improvement. First, gratitude increases connectedness: it leads people to feel closer and more connected to others. Second, gratitude also increases elevation: a warm feeling in the chest, a desire to help others and be a better person. Third, gratitude increases humility: the recognition that one has received a positive outcome that one did not necessarily earn. This acknowledgement may make someone feel humble and motivate one to prove that he or she deserves those benefits. Fourth, gratitude is not necessarily a positive emotion. It may also increase specific negative states. Gratitude is commonly felt in a subordinate social position, when one may produce feelings of indebtedness, discomfort, and guilt. Acknowledging another's help may force one to recognize a weakness or need as they realize that their successes are not entirely on their own. Subsequently, one may feel obliged to repay this person. These negative states can be motivating, as they may thus lead to a desire to better themselves and to help others.    

To conclude, prior research has mainly focused on the broader function of positive functions. Yet, new evidence indicates that positive emotions, and in particular gratitude, can motivate people to engage in specific positive behaviors. Moreover, gratitude has been found to be not just a passive emotion, but rather one that can galvanize and individual to put more effort towards self-improvement. This way to self-improvement then occurs via four mediators: connectedness, elevation, humility, and specific negative states (for instance guilt).