Impact of Gratitude and Kindness on Self- Esteem, Subjective Well-Being and Family Relationships among University Students

Abstract

Aim of the Study: The aim of the present study was to explore the impact of gratitude and kindness-based interventions on self-esteem, subjective well-being and family relations among university students.

Methodology: It was a within and between-group experimental study. Positive Affect and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) (Watson, Clark & Tellegen, 1988) was used to measure subjective well-being. Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (Rosenberg, 1965; Rizwan, Aftab, Shah, and Dharwarwala, 2012) was used to measure self-esteem and family relationship was measured by using Family System Apgar scale (Smilkstein, 1978). The sample consisted of university students (N=88) of the age range (18-27). Participants were divided into three groups i.e., experimental group I - gratitude group (n=27), experimental group II- kindness group (n=33) and control group (n=28). This study was carried out in three phases.

Findings: Findings revealed that for experimental group II family relation improved and negative affect decreased after conducting kindness-based meditation, while no change was observed in the control group.

Conclusion: This study explored how positive psychology-based interventions work in collectivistic culture. Moreover, this research has implications for therapists and psychologists working with young people.