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Longitudinal Associations of Gratitude with Subjective Well-Being and Psychological Well-Being: A Two-Wave Study

Author

Listed:
  • Qingqing Li

    (Ministry of Education
    Central China Normal University)

  • Mingjia Liu

    (Ministry of Education
    Central China Normal University)

  • Hailan Wang

    (Ministry of Education
    Central China Normal University)

  • Yingmin Chen

    (Ministry of Education
    Central China Normal University)

  • Zhenrong Fu

    (Ministry of Education
    Central China Normal University)

Abstract

Gratitude, a universally cherished positive quality, is intricately linked with individual well-being. Although existing research underscores the role of gratitude as a significant predictor of well-being, enhanced well-being may also contribute to higher levels of gratitude. However, few studies have directly explored the reciprocal dynamics between these constructs. To address this gap, this study employed a longitudinal design with a large sample of 2539 Chinese adolescents (Mage = 17.27, SD = 0.86), and aimed to elucidate the bidirectional interplay between gratitude and both subjective and psychological well-being. Correlation analysis showed that gratitude was significantly and positively related to both types of well-being. Results from cross-lagged analysis revealed that the two components of subjective well-being showed differences in relation to gratitude. Specifically, gratitude predicted cognitive well-being but the reverse is not true. However, a mutual predictive relationship is observed between gratitude and affective well-being, and between gratitude and psychological well-being. Overall, our findings facilitate contribute to a deeper comprehension of the intricate relationship between gratitude and well-being and imply that nurturing adolescents’ well-being could potentially foster the development of their gratitude disposition.

Suggested Citation

  • Qingqing Li & Mingjia Liu & Hailan Wang & Yingmin Chen & Zhenrong Fu, 2025. "Longitudinal Associations of Gratitude with Subjective Well-Being and Psychological Well-Being: A Two-Wave Study," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 20(1), pages 217-233, February.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:ariqol:v:20:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s11482-024-10406-w
    DOI: 10.1007/s11482-024-10406-w
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    References listed on IDEAS

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