The role of gratitude and meaning in life throughout adulthood

This study investigates the relationship between gratitude and meaning in life across adulthood, with a sample of 200 individuals aged 20 to 85 years (N = 200). Framed within the theoretical foundation of positive psychology, the research explores how gratitude—as both an emotional state and personality trait—enhances individuals’ perceptions of life’s purpose, significance, and coherence throughout different stages of adulthood. Stratified random sampling was employed to ensure equitable representation across early, middle, and late adulthood. Participants responded to the Gratitude Questionnaire-6 (GQ-6) and the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ), both measuring the presence of and search for meaning.

Statistical analyses revealed a significant positive correlation between gratitude and meaning in life (r = .24, p = .001). While gratitude did not emerge as an independent predictor of meaning in the regression model, the overall equation was statistically significant, and socioeconomic status (SES) showed a marginal moderating effect. This suggests that individuals with higher SES may have more psychological and material resources to translate gratitude into meaningful experiences.

The results support Fredrickson’s broaden-and-build theory and Algoe’s find-remind-bind theory, both of which highlight the role of gratitude in fostering resilience, well-being, and enriched social bonds. The findings underscore gratitude as a meaningful psychological construct that can enhance existential well-being. Interventions such as gratitude journaling, mindfulness-based techniques, and cognitive-behavioral strategies may foster a greater sense of purpose, especially when tailored to individuals’ developmental and socioeconomic contexts. This research adds to the increasing body of work in psychological resilience and flourishing throughout adulthood.