Receiving expressions of gratitude makes us feel a heightened sense of self-worth, and that in turn triggers other helpful behaviors toward both the person we are helping and other people, too.
– Francesca Gino
Two studies conducted by professors Gino and Grant examined the effects of gratitude. They involved 57 students who were asked to provide feedback on a poorly written cover letter from a fictional student named Eric. After submitting their feedback via email, the students received a response from Eric, requesting help with another cover letter.
Here’s where it gets interesting: half of the students received a neutral response:
I received your feedback on my cover letter.
– Eric
The other half received the same response, but with an additional expression of gratitude:
I received your feedback on my cover letter. Thank you so much! I am really grateful.
– Eric
After receiving Eric’s reply, the researchers assessed the students’ feelings of self-worth. Among those who received a simple acknowledgment, only 25% reported higher levels of self-worth. In contrast, 55% of the students who received a response with gratitude experienced an increase in their sense of self-worth.
In a subsequent study, the participants received a message from another fictional student named Steven, asking for feedback on his cover letter.
Would those who had been thanked by Eric be more inclined to help Steven?
As one might expect, the students who had been thanked by Eric showed a greater willingness to help again. Only 32% of the students who received a neutral reply were willing to assist Steven, whereas 66% of the students who received gratitude from Eric expressed their willingness to help Steven when asked.
Thanks!
This demonstrates that gratitude goes beyond being a mere social nicety or a means of making the helper feel good. Psychologically, gratitude reassures others that their assistance was appreciated, thereby encouraging further acts of kindness and cooperation.
Let’s Reflect…
- How does receiving gratitude make you feel?
- In what ways does receiving gratitude enhance your sense of self-worth?
- Share an instance when you missed an opportunity to express gratitude to someone. How did this missed opportunity affect the person who helped you? What impact did it have on your own well-being?
- How does receiving gratitude motivate you?
- How can the ripple effect of gratitude improve your community?