Within the VanderWeele family, a cherished custom unfolds on numerous evenings over dinner. They pause to voice their thanks for the many blessings in their lives. Tyler VanderWeele, co-director of the Initiative on Health, Spirituality, and Religion at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, is convinced that this practice enriches their family dynamics.

"I am convinced of its positive impact and see it as a potent daily practice," VanderWeele asserts. "Even during challenging times, this ritual holds great value."

The Influence of Gratitude on Health and Longevity

How does gratitude shape our well-being? Recent research has demonstrated that gratitude can lead to a myriad of health benefits, such as better emotional and social well-being, improved sleep, decreased likelihood of depression, and superior cardiovascular health. Additionally, new insights from the Nurses' Health Study hint that gratitude may also extend life expectancy.

"Gratitude is among the most thoroughly studied elements of well-being, yet we were astonished to find no prior research on its influence on mortality and longevity," remarks VanderWeele, a co-author of the study.

Study Overview

The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry in July 2024, scrutinized data from 49,275 women participating in the Nurses' Health Study, with an average age of 79. In 2016, participants completed a six-item gratitude questionnaire, indicating their agreement with statements like "I have much to be grateful for in life," and "If I were to list everything I'm grateful for, it would be extensive."

After a four-year period, researchers examined the medical records of the participants to ascertain deaths. There were 4,608 fatalities from various causes, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, infections, and injuries, with cardiovascular disease being the most prevalent.

Research Insights

Participants who scored the highest in gratitude at the study's onset had a 9% reduced risk of death over the subsequent four years compared to those with the lowest scores. This association persisted even after considering physical health, economic status, and other factors related to mental health and well-being. Gratitude seemed to shield against all causes of death studied, including cardiovascular disease.

"What is the significance of this?"

"A 9% reduction in mortality risk is substantial but not extreme," VanderWeele notes. "The remarkable aspect of gratitude is its universality. Everyone can recognize the positive elements of their life and express their gratitude."

While the study did not establish why gratitude is associated with a longer life, VanderWeele proposes several potential factors.

"We understand that gratitude fosters happiness, which slightly impacts mortality risk," he explains. "Gratitude might also inspire individuals to take care of their health, possibly by attending medical appointments or exercising more regularly. It may also enhance relationships and social support, both of which are known to be beneficial to health."

Study Limitations and Merits

The study's observational nature means it cannot prove that gratitude prolongs life—it only suggests a correlation. The specific group analyzed is both a