A relational account of gratitude: A positive emotion that strengthens interpersonal connections

Despite the recent surge in interest in the concept of gratitude, those who study this emotional experience largely rely on the norm of reciprocity to explain the phenomenon. However, I argue that this view is not enough to explain either the causes or full consequences of feelings of gratitude. Instead, I believe that the feeling of gratitude is based in our fundamental need to belong, which incorporates the norm of reciprocity, but more completely explains the experience. Using three different methods, I will test hypotheses about the determinants of gratitude, as well as consequences beyond simple reciprocity. The purpose of Study 1 is to demonstrate the ecology of grateful experiences (versus other positive experiences) in daily life; Study 2 takes advantage of naturally-occurring occasions of gift-giving in sororities to test hypotheses about the determinants and long-term effects of gratitude; and Study 3 will test the hypothesis that gratitude can create positive interactions between recipient and benefactor with roommate pairs. Grounding this research in two important theoretical traditions---relationships and emotions---allows me to broaden the scope of hypotheses from which to draw. Beyond the theoretical contributions to these two literatures, I believe that this research will have implications for understanding one important component of our social life.