Gratitude programs showed small well-being gains, with differences across countries
A review spanning participants from many countries found small average well-being improvements after gratitude interventions. Effects differed between countries, but the analysis could not explain those differences.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Across culturally diverse samples, gratitude interventions produced small average increases in well-being. The effects varied between countries, and the researchers did not identify factors that statistically explained that variation. The review therefore supports a modest overall result while leaving unresolved why outcomes differ across settings or what any individual participant might experience.
The abstract does not describe comparison conditions or assessment timing. It also reports unexplained differences between countries, limiting conclusions about which cultural settings or program features account for the results.
What counted as well-being
Results depended partly on how well-being was measured. Effects were larger for positive affect, meaning positive emotional experiences. That distinction matters: a result for positive emotions does not automatically describe every aspect of well-being.
Why program details matter
Effects also differed with intervention format and study randomization. Programs combining gratitude activities showed larger effects in these analyses. Such patterns help describe the evidence, but do not establish which particular activity is best for a reader.
The original publication
A meta-analysis of the effectiveness of gratitude interventions on well-being across cultures.
Choi H, Cha Y, McCullough ME et al.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 40627390
- Record checked
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