Smith L’Estrange, Sarah and McGilloway, Sinéad (2020) Gratitude and Gratefulness: A preliminary evaluation of the ‘My Gratitude Journal’. Project Report. Maynooth University.
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Gratitude and Gratefulness in primary school children - A preliminary evaluation of the ‘My Gratitude Journal’ L'Estrange and McGilloway.pdf
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Abstract
In recent years, there has been an important shift towards prevention and early
intervention services and practices, both in Ireland and elsewhere. These include
Positive Psychology Interventions (PPIs), which may be defined as programmes or
treatments which attempt to create positive feelings, behaviours and cognitions (Sin &
Lyubomirsky, 2009). A large amount of research has indicated that PPIs can
significantly improve psychological and subjective well-being, as well as reducing
depressive symptoms and increasing positive emotions such as happiness and gratitude
(Cohn., & Frederickson., 2010; Boiler et al., 2013).
A significant body of literature has also focused on improving gratitude levels and
practices, as gratitude has been strongly associated with positive emotions such as
contentment, pride, hope and happiness. For example, deliberate and mindful
expressions of gratitude can increase subjective well-being, generating a positive
outlook on life and promoting happiness, self-confidence, resilience and prosocial
behaviour (Watkins, Woodward, Stone & Kolts, 2003).
This summary report presents the key findings from an exploratory study
undertaken to assess the overall perceived effectiveness of a newly developed PPI in
Ireland, aimed at improving aspects of wellbeing in children. This PPI is called the ‘My
Gratitude Journal’. This 26-week programme was developed by Suzanne and Linda
Culleton (of Positive Vibes) in 2018, with a view to creating a resource which would help
to teach children skills to enable them to improve aspects of their overall wellbeing.
Specifically, this PPI aims to increase confidence, self-esteem, happiness, resilience,
empathy and wellness through various activities which are guided by the journal and
implemented over a 26-week period.
Item Type: | Monograph (Project Report) |
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Keywords: | Gratitude; Gratefulness; preliminary evaluation; Gratitude Journal; |
Academic Unit: | Faculty of Science and Engineering > Psychology |
Item ID: | 15318 |
Depositing User: | Dr. Sinéad McGilloway |
Date Deposited: | 24 Jan 2022 13:41 |
Publisher: | Maynooth University |
URI: | https://mural.maynoothuniversity.ie/id/eprint/15318 |
Use Licence: | This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here |
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