Positive interventions have previously been shown to have a positive effect on those involved in these types of activities. This investigation hypothesized that performing kind acts and noting gratitude would have a positive effect on happiness as measured by self-esteem. Further, it was predicted that differences would be observed based on several factors: experimental condition, gender, and religious commitment. Participants (N=30) from a large, northeastern, urban university participated in an experiment in which positive interventions were performed daily for one week. Pre-test and post-test measures of happiness were obtained.
The findings confirmed an increase in happiness following both interventions. However, the differences predicted based on the factors investigated were not observed. Keywords: kind acts, gratitude, happiness, well-being, gender, religion, self-esteem?Along with life and liberty, the pursuit of happiness is among the most fundamental ideals in American society. The men who founded the United States of America in the late 18th century listed these three values as “unalienable rights” for the citizens of the new nation they created. In a recent study looking at the pursuit of happiness, Lyubomirsky, Sheldon, and Schkade stated, “If it is meaningful and important to pursue happiness, then it is crucial to find out how this can be accomplished” (2005, p. 126).
In later work, Sheldon and Lyubomirsky (2006) observed that little research has been done to uncover the exact methods in which happiness increases. The views offered in these prior projects are vital to the current investigation because there is evidence that even though happiness is pursued, happiness is not accomplished by the majori. .le gains in happiness: Change your actions, not your circumstances. Journal of Happiness Studies, 7(1), 55-86. doi:10.
1007/s10902-005-0868-8Sin, N. L., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2009). Enhancing well-being and alleviating depressive symptoms with positive psychology interventions: A practice-friendly meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 65(5), 467-487.
doi:10.1002/jclp.20593Sinclair, S. J., Blais, M. A.
, Gansler, D. A., Sandberg, E., Bistis, K., & LoCicero, A. (2010).
Psychometric properties of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale: Overall and across demographic groups living within the United States. Evaluation & The Health Professions, 33(1), 56-80. doi:10.1177/0163278709356187Watts, F., Dutton, K., & Gulliford, L.
(2006). Human spiritual qualities: Integrating psychology and religion. Mental Health, Religion & Culture, 9(3), 277-289. doi:10.1080/13694670600615524
