An Experiment in Gratitude | The Science of Happiness

Psychologists have scientifically proven that one of the greatest contributing factors to overall happiness in your life is how much gratitude you show.

The study demonstrates that expressing gratitude will make you feel better and increase your overall happiness.

Researchers gathered volunteers to test whether gratitude actually impacts happiness levels through a controlled experiment.

Participants were given a happiness test where they closed their eyes and thought of someone influential in their life, then wrote about why that person was important to them.

Participants were asked to call the person they identified and read aloud what they had written about them, despite initial hesitation and logistical challenges.

• Sister or best friend relationships • College instructors or mentors • Friends from creative projects • Immediate family members like mothers • People who may no longer be reachable

• Recipients expressed surprise and emotion upon hearing the gratitude expressed to them • Some recipients became emotional and tearful hearing how much they meant to the caller • Phone calls created meaningful moments of connection between participants and their chosen people

Participants shared deeply personal gratitude messages about how their chosen people influenced them through support, hard work, enthusiasm, positive talk, and unconditional love.

For those who took time to write something down but couldn't make the phone call, happiness increased between 2 and 4 percent.

For those who actually picked up the phone and personally expressed their gratitude, happiness increases ranged between 4 and 19 percent.

The person who experienced the biggest jump in happiness was the least happy person who walked in the door, suggesting that those having a particularly tough time benefit most from expressing gratitude.

Either way, expressing your gratitude will make you a happier person, and the impact is greater for those facing greater challenges.