Evidence That It Works
In one study, elementary schoolers who were taught “benefit appraisal” — or a thinking process that helps them consider why a person did a kind act for them, what the cost to the person was, and what benefits the students received from it — reported more positive emotions and showed more grateful attitudes and behaviors than other students, both immediately and months later.
Why Does It Matter?
Students who express gratitude tend to be more socially adjusted and to show greater school bonding. Thus, encouraging gratitude may improve students’ relationships with peers and teachers, which in turn helps to create more positive classroom and school climates. In addition, using gratitude to guide students in forming strong friendships in upper elementary may then increase the likelihood of healthy friendships in middle school — a key element in increasing students’ academic achievement and prosocial behavior.