The effects of gratitude interventions: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 64 randomized clinical trials.
PubMed 37585888 · doi:10.31744/einstein_journal/2023RW0371
What was done
A systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of gratitude interventions on psychological well-being and clinical symptoms. Searches were conducted across MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central, Google Scholar, and manual sources from January to July 2022. Two authors independently screened records to select randomized clinical trials meeting inclusion criteria.
What was found
Sixty-four randomized clinical trials were included. The meta-analysis found that gratitude interventions led to greater feelings of gratitude, improved mental health, reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression, and higher levels of positive mood and emotions. The abstract reports no numerical effect sizes, confidence intervals, or heterogeneity statistics.
Why it matters
This review compiles a large body of randomized evidence showing that gratitude-focused practices can serve as an effective therapeutic complement for anxiety and depression and boost positive affect in the general population.
Limits
The abstract does not provide specific numerical outcomes, effect sizes, p-values, or tests of heterogeneity. Details regarding participant characteristics, types and durations of gratitude interventions, comparison groups, and risk of bias are not reported in the abstract.
Cited by
- supports Scientific research data shows that focusing on gratitude increases energy and anticipation of positive possibilities rather than causing complacency.