The Grateful Don't Cheat: Gratitude as a Fount of Virtue.
Level 2 - randomized trial
Individual randomized behavioral experiments (level assigned by design analogy for non-clinical psychology).
PubMed 31145653 · doi:10.1177/0956797619848351
What was done
Researchers conducted two experiments using real-time, behavior-based measures of cheating to evaluate whether inducing gratitude reduces dishonest behavior compared to neutral control states or general happiness. The hypothesis was tested across two different environments: a controlled laboratory study (N = 156) and an anonymous online study (N = 141).
What was found
The abstract reports no exact numerical values, percentages, effect sizes, or p-values. It states directionally that gratitude reduced cheating relative to neutrality and general happiness in both the laboratory setting (N = 156) and the online setting (N = 141).
Why it matters
This indicates gratitude can act as a broader virtue that promotes self-control and honesty, rather than functioning exclusively to motivate direct reciprocal repayment between exchange partners.
Limits
The abstract gives no numerical data, effect sizes, or confidence intervals. Total sample size is modest (297 participants across two separate cohorts), and details regarding participant demographics, specific experimental inductions, and long-term durability are not reported.
Cited by
- supports Laboratory data demonstrate that engaging in faith-based actions produces measurable effects on morality, consciousness, and feelings of connectedness.