The word gratitude comes from the Latin gratitudo, a noun in turn derived from the adjective gratus.
The etymology of the latter is uncertain, but according to some it derives from the Proto-Indo-European root *gwere- which indicated the semantic sphere of favouring. Gratitude is therefore the feeling we experience when we feel favoured in some way.
Gratitude, in fact, is generally defined as a feeling of positive transport towards someone who has done a good deed for us, to which is also added the desire to reciprocate the gesture. But practice and exercise also allow us to feel gratitude for what happens to us, independently of ourselves and others, such as for the weather or the coincidences of life. Robert Emmons, probably the foremost scholar of gratitude, defines it simply as the recognition of a good that comes from outside (Emmons 2010).
The exercise of gratitude is rightfully part of the practice of positive psychology, aimed at enhancing the best aspects of individual and collective existence. Gratitude, in fact, is a social sentiment that strengthens bonds while making the individual feel good.
To date, there are not many studies on gratitude, but there is growing evidence that this feeling is beneficial for the mind, body and indeed social relationships. Precisely for this reason, in the health sector, it can benefit the health of patients, the resilience of carers and the cooperation of organisations. Therefore, gratitude is not only a feeling of patients, but also of health professionals.
In this regard, some studies (Lau and Cheng 2017 and Stomski et al. 2019) have shown that the exercise of gratitude is correlated with increased use of emotion-focused coping (positive reframing, acceptance, humour, social emotional support seeking, religious coping) and lowered stress and burnout levels in medical staff.
But how do we practise gratitude? One can keep a diary in which one daily marks something for which one is grateful, or write letters to our loved ones to express our gratitude, or even regularly review the positive things in our lives. Another interesting idea, especially in the health sector, is to conceive of gratitude as relating to what one can give rather than to what one has received. In this way, not only will patients be grateful to health care providers, but also the latter to the former.
The benefits of this practice are not only psychological (increased positive emotions, optimism and happiness) and social (decreased sense of isolation), but also physical, such as lowering blood pressure and strengthening the immune system. In short, consciously practising gratitude helps one to focus on the present, banishing negative thoughts and emotions.
And what are you grateful for?
