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Gratitude as a Human Strength: Appraising the Evidence

Robert A. Emmons, Cheryl A. Crumpler

University of California, Davis.

This article is based on an invited talk at the “Classical Sources of Human Strength” conference, Turf Valley Resort and Conference Center, Ellicott City, Maryland, December 1998 This article was prepared while Robert A. Emmons was being supported by a grant from the John M. Templeton Foundation.

Address correspondence to Robert A. Emmons, Department of Psychology, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616-8686. E-mail:

Gratitude is an emotional state and an attitude toward life that is a source of human strength in enhancing one's personal and relational well-being. In this article, we first explore the theological origins of gratitude as a virtue to be cultivated in the major monotheistic traditions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Each tradition emphasizes the development of gratitude as a path to a good life, and prescribes approaches for practicing. Gratitude is explored further in the context of psychological theory and research. Empirical research linking gratitude with well-being and goal attainment is presented and discussed. Finally, future research questions and a tentative research agenda are presented.

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