Gratitude and Subjective Well-Being among Koreans

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between gratitude and subjective well-being (life satisfaction, hope, and positive and negative affect) with individual demographic background (i.e., age, education level, perceived economic status, and religious affiliation) in a sample of 761 Korean adults participated from five universities in South Korea. Specifically, gratitude was still an essential element for the subjective well-being of Korean adults, although the meaning of gratitude under Confucian culture implies indebtedness and obligation. The relationship between gratitude and subjective well-being did not differ by gender. Implications for the subjective well-being of Koreans are discussed.

Predictors of subjective well-being in Korean men and women: Analysis of nationwide panel survey data

“…So far research in the field of gender gap in subjective well-being in Korea has focused on the measure of life-satisfaction in the elderly with multimorbidity [41] and college students [40]. This present study enhances the current understanding of subjective well-being by gender in Korea, based on latest panel survey data using a large, nationally representative sample of the general population.…”

“…Despite this existing body of knowledge on subjective well-being around the world, there remains a gap in the understanding of factors that influence the subjective well-being of people in Korea. So far, gender difference research has been limited to certain age groups in the Korean population [40,41]. It is therefore worth investigating what influences subjective wellbeing in Korean men and women, because the same factors influence subjective well-being differently depending on the context and have dissimilar relationships to subjective well-being between men and women across cultures [42].…”

How Does Search for Meaning Lead to Presence of Meaning for Korean Army Soldiers? The Mediating Roles of Leisure Crafting and Gratitude

“…Understanding gratitude from the perspective of a comprehensive life orientation is more useful in explaining the various aspects of gratitude. Specifically, gratitude has positive psychological functions and helps in lowering workplace materialism and depression (Lambert et al, 2012;Unanue et al, 2021) and increasing well-being (Jans-Beken et al, 2018;Yoo, 2020). Regarding workers who are frequently exposed to stressful situations, such as soldiers and firefighters, gratitude can function as a protection mechanism.…”

Gratitude and Its Relationship with Students’ Psychological Well-Being and Happiness

“…The word gratitude generally means graciousness, grace, or gratitude (Yoo, 2020). Gratitude is the sense of a positive experience and feeling appreciated through the actions of others (Emmons & McCullough, 2003).…”

“…Furthermore, studies on gratitude have shown a correlation to positive social relationships, spiritualityenhancing qualities, and pro-social constructs that are likely to improve one's overall well-being and life satisfaction (Kumari & Madnawat, 2016). Gratitude is also highly valued in many cultures and communities since it can enhance social bonds and even have a moral consequence (Yoo, 2020). In terms of social relationships, many studies on gratitude intervention have been proven effective at improving relationships with people (Dioszeghy, 2018;Jin, Line, & Yoon, 2017;Kim & Qu, 2020).…”