
Thanks!: How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier
Robert Emmons
Houghton Mifflin
Buy: Thanks!: How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier
From A Press Release
Book Description
A revolutionary new book released this summer makes people think twice about holding a grudge. According to Dr. Robert Emmons, psychology professor and research scientist at the University of California at Davis, people who view life as a gift and
consciously acquire an "attitude of gratitude" will experience multiple advantages – and he can
prove it. In "Thanks! How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier," Dr. Emmons
backs up his claim with eight years of intensive research on gratitude.
"Without gratitude, life can be lonely, depressing and impoverished," said Dr. Emmons, editorin-
chief of The Journal of Positive Psychology and the first-ever scientific psychologist to conduct
such a study. "Gratitude enriches human life. It elevates, energizes, inspires, and transforms.
People are moved, opened, and humbled through expressions of gratitude."
In "Thanks!" Dr. Emmons says that adopting a lifestyle of gratitude takes a conscious effort.
People must give up a "victim mentality" and overcome a sense of entitlement and deservedness
acquired through our consumer culture. As a result, Dr. Emmons says they will experience
significant improvements in several areas of life – relationships, academics, energy level, and even
dealing with tragedy and crisis. Examples of his scientific findings include:
- Grateful people report higher levels of positive emotions, life satisfaction, vitality, optimism
and lower levels of depression and stress.
- Maintaining a gratitude journal for three weeks resulted in better sleep quality and duration,
more energy and even more time spent exercising.
- A grateful approach to life can be one of the most effective ways of coping with disease,
disability, and even death.
"I intend for this book to provoke intellectual interest as well as self-examination," said Dr.
Emmons. "My hope is that 'Thanks!' inspires readers to make life-altering decisions."
For nearly a decade Dr. Emmons has focused his research on gratitude and credits The John
Templeton Foundation who awarded him a grant in 1999 to further examine the topic. He is the
author of many published books and articles including: "The Psychology of Ultimate Concerns:
Motivation and Spirituality in Personality."
About the Author:
Robert Emmons is editor-in-chief of the Journal of Positive Psychology.He is also the author of "Psychology of Gratitude" and "Psychology of Ultimate Concerns."
Buy: Thanks!: How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier
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