Does Gratitude and Purpose have an influence on Depression?

Its not easy being grateful. Its not your fault. Lots of bad stuff happens in life and the stress, hurt, sadness, anger and shame that goes hand-in glove with many life events, steers you towards obsessing, worry, rumination, complaining and hopelessness.

Positive Psychology research has shown us that gratitude, practiced every day or several times a week, has a positive impact on our well-being. Similarly, having purpose in life gives you better physical and psychological health.

Depression is worse for people who’ve had more bad stuff happen to them. So, what happens to people’s depression when their lives get better?  What happens when they experience a higher number of positive life events?  Do the get less depressed?  And, does being more grateful or having purpose generate more positive life events?

These are some of the questions that we’ll explore together. Using a recent study of nearly 800 people from 43 different countries, we’ll look at what happens when you investigate the relationship between gratitude, meaning in life, positive life events and depression.

You can leave a rating and a review for the show over on itunes. It only takes a minute…to leave a review. Not quite as catchy as the Take That song, but here’s hoping!

SHOWNOTES:

What Predicts Positive Life Events that Influence the Course of Depression? A Longitudinal Examination of Gratitude and Meaning in Life

SHSN Episode #9 How to use the ACT Matrix to choose between two lives