An experimental study on the relationships between gratitude, anxiety and psychological well-being

Abstract

In this study, it was aimed to increase the gratitude levels of secondary school students through awareness training on the theme of blessings. In addition, it was aimed to investigate the relationship between the feeling of gratitude and trait, state anxiety and psychological well-being. In the study, the experimental research method with pre-test post-test measurement and experimental and control group design was preferred. The sample of the study was determined by the maximum diversity sampling method. Students studying at a secondary education institution in Artvin constitute the sample of the study. In the study "Gratitude Scale", "EPOCH Scale" and "State and Trait Anxiety Scale" were used as data collection tools. Awareness training, which will last 8 lessons in total for 4 weeks, consisting of 2 weekly lessons, one activity in each lesson, was prepared and applied to the experimental group. According to the findings of the study, it is seen that there is a significant increase in the gratitude levels of the students who participated in the awareness training in their post-test scores compared to their pre-test scores. According to the pre-test data, there is a negative significant relationship between gratitude and trait and state anxiety, and a positive significant relationship with psychological well-being. According to the post-test data, there is a negative significant relationship between gratitude and state anxiety, a positive significant relationship between psychological well-being, while there is no significant relationship between trait anxiety. As a result, the awareness training prepared achieves its purpose and increases students' gratitude levels. Considering that people who are grateful are happier and healthier, it is important to raise awareness about gratitude in order to build a healthy society.