Abstract

This study focused on positive psychology aimed at utilizing gratitude as a coping mechanism to encourage life satisfaction. The following paper describes past and current literature on positive psychology interventions. It hypothesized that individuals who acknowledge gratitude through writing will have an increased mood. The study consisted of (n= 21) participants: (n=5) males and (n=16) females from Rochester University. This study attempted to find a relationship between gratitude and overall mood. In the study, participants were asked to write down three items, places, people, etc., that they are thankful for at the end of each day for five consecutive days. Then the participants were asked to take a survey consisting of 23 questions. The Gratitude Questionaire-6 was used to measure the data. Out of the (n=21) participants, 71% of students responded that they perceived to be more grateful than prior to the study. The results suggested writing down three items, places, people etc. has a positive effect on improving overall mood. The results help to identify how appreciating characteristics in life can have a positive effect on life satisfaction.