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Gratitude Journal

Cultivating gratitude is an evidence-based positive psychology technique. This information handout describes reasons to cultivate a grateful attitude and helpful practical steps in developing a gratitude practice.

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A PDF of the resource, theoretical background, suggested therapist questions and prompts.

Client version

A PDF of the resource plus client-friendly instructions where appropriate.

Editable version (PPT)

An editable Microsoft PowerPoint version of the resource.

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  • Arabic
  • Chinese (Simplified)
  • English (GB)
  • English (US)
  • French
  • German
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  • Italian
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Techniques associated with this resource

Introduction & Theoretical Background

Gratitude has been described as "the appreciation of what is valuable and meaningful to oneself and represents a general state of thankfulness and/or appreciation" (Sansone & Sanson, 2010). Conceptually gratitude has been viewed as an emotion which occurs after receiving assistance, or as a dispositional "orientation towards noticing the positive in the world" (Wood et al, 2010). This dispositional or trait gratitude is positively associated with a number of measures of well-being and there is evidence that it is possible to increase gratitude through practice – with associated increases in well-being. The Gratitude Journal is a positive psychology worksheet. It describes the concept of gratitude, briefly reports research findings supporting its beneficial associations, and provides recommendations to aid in the completion of a gratitude journal / gratitude list.

Therapist Guidance

This is a Psychology Tools exercise. Suggested uses include:

  • Client handout - use as a psychoeducation resource
  • Discussion point - use to provoke a discussion and explore client beliefs
  • Therapist learning tool - improve your familiarity with a psychological construct
  • Teaching resource - use as a learning tool during training

References And Further Reading

  • Emmons, R. A., & McCullough, M. E. (2003). Counting blessings versus burdens: an experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being in daily life. Journal of personality and social psychology, 84(2), 377.
  • Froh, J. J., Sefick, W. J., & Emmons, R. A. (2008). Counting blessings in early adolescents: An experimental study of gratitude and subjective well-being. Journal of school psychology, 46(2), 213-233.
  • Sansone, R. A., & Sansone, L. A. (2010). Gratitude and well being: The benefits of appreciation. Psychiatry (Edgmont), 7(11), 18.
  • Sheldon, K. M., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2006). How to increase and sustain positive emotion: The effects of expressing gratitude and visualizing best possible selves. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 1(2), 73-82.
  • Wood, A. M., Froh, J. J., & Geraghty, A. W. (2010). Gratitude and well-being: A review and theoretical integration. Clinical psychology review, 30(7), 890-905.