| 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. |
