Attitude of Gratitude, Happiness and Life Satisfaction among College Students: Empirical Evidences from District Gujrat, Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

Detrimental factors, such as trauma, stress, social isolation, and negative relationships, disrupt psycho-social well-being, cognitive health and contribute to psychopathology. Developments during recent decades in positive psychology have marked a significant shift in focus, from solely addressing cerebral disorder to actively promoting mental well-being. This paradigm shift has led researchers to identify and maximize factors that contribute to overall well-being, such as gratitude, resilience, and positive relationships. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between attitude of gratitude (AOG), happiness, and life satisfaction (LS) among college students. A total of 300 college students (150 males, 150 females) were randomly selected to participate. A correlational research design was employed to examine the relationships between the variables, using the Gratitude Questionnaire (GQ-6), the Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS), and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). The results revealed a strong positive correlation between AOG and happiness, as well as between happiness and LS. These findings suggest that cultivating a positive attitude of gratitude is essential for enhancing happiness, which in turn promotes life satisfaction. The study's results have implications for the development of interventions aimed at fostering gratitude and promoting overall well-being and life satisfaction among college students.