Work

Individual Differences in the Affective Experience of Writing a Gratitude Letter: Who Benefits Most?

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: = 487). First, k-means clustering of pre- to post-intervention changes in affect revealed three distinct groups: Buffered, Mixed Feelings, and Backfired. The Buffered cluster comprised individuals who, on average, experienced decreases in negative affect (e.g., less frustration) but no changes in positive emotions (e.g., joyful). The Mixed Feelings cluster experienced increases in positive affect, alongside self-conscious emotions, particularly indebtedness, which became more closely aligned with uplifting emotional states following the intervention. The Backfired cluster experienced decreases in positive feelings and increases in negative affect. Next, differences in individual characteristics across clusters indicated that those in the Buffered cluster were relatively more neurotic, had higher baseline negative feelings, and lower trait gratitude. Individuals in the Mixed Feelings cluster tended to be more dispositionally grateful and seemed to invest more effort into the activity. Finally, individuals in the Backfired cluster were also relatively more grateful and had higher baseline positive affect. These findings contribute to understanding individual differences in the effectiveness of gratitude letter interventions and highlight opportunities to tailor such activities to promote personal growth.

Source: Behavioral Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/bs16020232

Authors: Tanya K. Vannoy, Lisa Walsh, Luke Liao, Sonja Lyubomirsky

Institutions: University of California, Riverside, Nanyang Technological University

Language: English

Topic: Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,654

Funders: John Templeton Foundation, University of California, Riverside