ERIC Number: EJ1460566
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1082-3301
EISSN: EISSN-1573-1707
Available Date: 2024-02-05
Exploring the Impact of Gratitude Practice as a Protective Factor for Young Children
Anna H. Hall1; Grace Bache-Wiig1; Kelley M. White2
Early Childhood Education Journal, v53 n3 p759-767 2025
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the mental health of young children, and schools are being tasked with providing greater support for their emotional well-being. While gratitude practices have proven beneficial for the mental health of adults, less is known about the efficacy of their use in promoting positive character development with children. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of a three-fold gratitude intervention on a group of first grade students (N = 16). For 28 weeks, students used a gratitude journal, expressed gratitude to others through writing, and created a gratitude collage. Gratitude journal entries were coded for themes and pre-post intervention evaluations were administered. Results from a Wilcoxon Signed Rank test indicate the intervention had a significant impact on children's gratitude and well-being. This study is based on the Relational Developmental Systems (RDS) Theory which emphasizes that human development is plastic, and that programs that promote character development can result in positive personal change. It builds on research that has shown that gratitude can be fostered through regular practice and can have a positive impact on mental health. The study has implications for educators looking to support children's mental health and well-being in school by implementing a simple gratitude intervention.
Descriptors: Mental Health, Young Children, COVID-19, Pandemics, Well Being, Emotional Adjustment, Defense Mechanisms, Moral Development, Intellectual Development, Emotional Development, Prosocial Behavior, Grade 1, Elementary School Students, Self Expression, Student Attitudes
Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2123/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Early Childhood Education; Elementary Education; Grade 1; Primary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: 1Clemson University, Clemson, USA; 2College of Charleston, Charleston, USA