The VanderWeele family has a long-standing tradition that takes place around the dinner table on many evenings. They take a moment to express their gratitude for the numerous blessings they enjoy. Tyler VanderWeele, co-director of the Initiative on Health, Spirituality, and Religion at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, believes that this routine significantly enhances their family relationships.
"I am a firm believer in its positive effects and consider it an effective daily habit," VanderWeele states. "Even in tough times, this practice is incredibly valuable."
The Impact of Gratitude on Health and Lifespan
What role does gratitude play in our health? Recent studies have shown that being grateful can result in numerous health advantages, such as enhanced emotional and social well-being, better sleep, a lower risk of depression, and improved heart health. Furthermore, new findings from the Nurses' Health Study suggest that gratitude might also contribute to a longer life.
"Gratitude is one of the most well-researched aspects of well-being, yet we were surprised to find no previous studies on its impact on mortality and longevity," says VanderWeele, who co-authored the study.
Study Summary
The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry in July 2024, analyzed data from 49,275 women participating in the Nurses' Health Study, with an average age of 79. In 2016, participants responded to a six-item gratitude questionnaire, agreeing or disagreeing with statements like "I have a lot to be thankful for in my life," and "If I were to write down everything I'm grateful for, it would be a long list."
After a four-year follow-up, researchers reviewed the medical records of the participants to identify deaths. There were 4,608 deaths from various causes, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, infections, and injuries, with cardiovascular disease being the most common.
Research Findings
Participants who scored the highest in gratitude at the beginning of the study had a 9% lower risk of death over the next four years compared to those with the lowest scores. This correlation remained even after accounting for physical health, socioeconomic status, and other factors related to mental health and well-being. Gratitude appeared to protect against all causes of death studied, including cardiovascular disease.
"What does this mean?"
"A 9% reduction in mortality risk is significant but not overwhelming," VanderWeele points out. "The beauty of gratitude is its universality. Everyone can acknowledge the positive aspects of their life and express gratitude for them."
While the study did not determine why gratitude is linked to a longer life, VanderWeele suggests several possible factors.
"We know that gratitude promotes happiness, which slightly affects mortality risk," he explains. "Gratitude might also motivate people to take better care of their health, perhaps by attending medical appointments or exercising more regularly. It may also improve relationships and social support, both of which are known to be health benefits."
Study Limitations and Strengths
The study's observational nature means it cannot prove that gratitude extends life—it only indicates a correlation. The specific group analyzed is both a