Gratitude writing for positive and negative affect: moderation by life satisfaction

Abstract

Gratitude writing interventions have been found to enhance wellbeing; however, these effects may not be equally effective for everyone. A moderator of interest is life satisfaction. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of a gratitude writing intervention on positive affect (PA) and negative affect (NA). The other aim of the present study was to explore the moderating role of life satisfaction on the effect of a gratitude writing intervention on PA and NA. A cross-sectional, quantitative design was employed. A convenience sample of 90 participants, aged over 18 from the general population, were recruited. Participants completed two self-report questionnaires: the Satisfaction with Life Scale to measure life satisfaction and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) to measure PA and NA. Participants were randomised to a gratitude writing condition (n = 44), where they expressed gratitude to a person that had changed their life and wrote how that made them feel, or a control writing condition (n = 46), before repeating the PANAS. There was no significant effect found for the gratitude writing intervention on PA and NA, relative to the control condition. There was no significant effect found for the moderator of life satisfaction, possibly due to the length of the gratitude writing. This study demonstrates that further research is required into how life satisfaction moderates gratitude writing, and to assess under what conditions gratitude interventions are most effective. Studies should use a larger sample and a larger dosage.