By Carol McClain @carol_mcclain Gratitude increases mental strength. For years, research has shown gratitude not only reduces stress , but it may also play a major role in overcoming trauma . A 2006 study published in Behavior Research and Therapy  found that Vietnam War veterans with higher levels of gratitude experienced lower rates of post-traumatic stress disorder . A 2003 study published in the Journal of Personality …[ read more ]

By Carol McClain @carol_mcclain Gratitude improves self-esteem . A 2014 study published in the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology found that gratitude increased athletes’ self-esteem, an essential component to optimal performance. Other studies have shown that gratitude reduces social comparisons. Rather than becoming resentful toward people who have more money or better jobs—a major factor in reduced self-esteem—grateful people are …[ read more ]