Coping style as a psychological resource of grateful people

Abstract

We examined whether gratitude was correlated with distinct coping styles, and whether coping styles mediated the relationship between gratitude and well-being. Participants (n = 236) completed measures of coping styles, dispositional gratitude, and measures of well-being. Gratitude correlated positively with seeking both emotional and instrumental social support, positive reinterpretation and growth, active coping, and planning. Gratitude correlated negatively with behavioural disengagement, self-blame, substance use, and denial. Coping styles mediated up to 51% of the relationship between gratitude and stress, but did not substantially mediate the relationship between gratitude and either happiness, depression, or satisfaction with life. We suggest that different mechanisms relate gratitude to separate aspects of well-being. Further research is indicated into the role of gratitude in social support processes, and in growth following adversity.