Gratitude: Should it Always Be Your Go-To for Happiness, or Could It Be Doing More Harm Than Good?
Gratitude, the act of expressing gratitude for what you have, is often hailed as a key to happiness. But, as renowned psychology professor and researcher Sonja Lyubomirsky points out, it's not that simple.
Lyubomirsky, known for her work in positive psychology and the author of "The How to Happiness" and "The Myth of Happiness," reveals that promoting gratitude can indeed boost happiness. However, she also cautions that not everyone benefits from gratitude practices. In fact, for some, it could potentially worsen the situation or even lead them astray.
Contentment: The Double-Edged Sword
In an interview with CNN, Lyubomirsky explained how gratitude works its magic. Gratitude, she said, helps redirect our attention, reinterpret our experiences, and paint powerful, optimistic memories. It can effectively neutralize negative emotions, making it hard for us to feel jealous, resentful, angry, or anxious. Moreover, it reinforces our resilience, helping us better cope with life's challenges (CNN interview, 2018).
However, the story doesn't end there. Gratitude can interfere with hedonistic adaptation, the human ability to quickly adjust to new surroundings or events, which often results in our joy from positive things being fleeting. Gratitude disrupts this cycle by preventing us from taking these good things for granted (CNN interview, 2018).
Embracing Gratitude: The Right Way
So, how can we effectively practice gratitude without falling into its potential pitfalls? Lyubomirsky advises that the approach should be tailored to the individual. What works for one might not work for another. Some people might find speaking to a grateful partner beneficial, while others may prefer spending time with friends and family or writing a thank-you letter. The key is to keep it fresh and avoid making it a chore (CNN interview, 2018).
Furthermore, sharing our world with others can also help boost gratitude. It allows us to see everyday details with a fresh perspective, as was observed when Lyubomirsky spent time with children. They see the world in a vibrant, exciting, and novel way, reminding us to appreciate the little things in life (CNN interview, 2018).
Doing More Harm Than Good?
While gratitude is generally considered positive, Lyubomirsky's research has shown that overusing it can be harmful. Daily gratitude interventions, for instance, could potentially do more harm than good. Studies have shown that frequent gratitude practice can lead to a decline in happiness levels, particularly for those who participate three times a week (CNN interview, 2018).
Moreover, in some instances, gratitude practices can be counterproductive. Mental health experts have expressed concerns that the application of gratitude interventions could worsen the mental health conditions of depressed clients. Lyubomirsky herself conducted a study on depressive college students, which had to be discontinued due to some participants reporting feeling less satisfied (CNN interview, 2018).
Navigating the Landscape of Gratitude
So, how can we navigate the landscape of gratitude without falling into the trap of toxic positivity? Lyubomirsky advises trusting our instincts and reflecting upon ourselves. If gratitude practice leaves us feeling less positive or connected, it's essential to listen to our bodies and try something different (CNN interview, 2018).
In a world that often pushes us to focus exclusively on the positive, it's crucial to remember that emotional balance is key. We should allow space for both positive and negative emotions, acknowledging that they serve a purpose and are essential for our personal growth.
Enrichment Data
Overusing Gratitude Practices and Negative Consequences
While regular gratitude practice can have numerous benefits, overdoing it can lead to negative consequences. Overemphasizing gratitude may lead to emotional suppression, lack of emotional balance, and stunted personal growth.
Toxic Positivity in the Context of Positive Psychology
Toxic positivity refers to the excessive emphasis on maintaining a positive mindset while dismissing genuine emotions. This approach can have negative consequences, such as emotional repression, erosion of authentic connections, increased feelings of shame and isolation, and stunted personal growth.
Details:
- Suppression of Emotions: Constantly emphasizing gratitude may lead individuals to suppress negative emotions, resulting in increased stress, anxiety, and physical health problems like high blood pressure.
- Lack of Emotional Balance: Focusing solely on gratitude can create an emotional imbalance, hindering personal growth and preventing individuals from addressing underlying issues.
- Stunted Personal Growth: Ignoring negative emotions in the name of gratitude can prevent individuals from addressing and learning from their experiences, potentially stunting their personal growth.
Source: Bermudez (2019)
