Espares, Charmine E. and Silva, Theresa L. (2011) Effects of gratitude therapy on the subjective well-being of students under Balik-aral program in De La Salle University-Dasmariñas: A mixed method approach. Undergraduate thesis, De La Salle University-Dasmarinas.

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Abstract

This study sought to determine whether gratitude therapy has an effect on the subjective well-being, specifically the positive and negative affect, of students under the Balik Aral Program of De La Salle University – Dasmariñas. There were a total of 17 BAP students from De La Salle University - Dasmariñas, Cavite who participated in this study. Methodology: The study used Cluster Sampling in selecting the respondents and employed Embedded Mixed Method Design wherein the quantitative data collected were analyzed using t-test for dependent sample and mean score while the qualitative data collected were analyzed using content analysis. Major Findings: 1. The mean scores of the positive and negative affect noticeably show that gratitude therapy has a positive effect on the SWB of the BA students. In addition, it was also noted in the gratitude journal that gratitude therapy has positive and highly significant effect on SWB of the participants. 2. There is a significant effect (t(16)=2.452, p<0.05) on the negative affect of the BA students. On the other hand, positive affect has (t(16)=-1.634, p<0.05) and the differences do not reach statistical significance level. However, two items on PA which is happy and cheerful revealed that have a significant effect due to following reasons: (1) Attendance of the participants; (2) Number of sessions; (3) The extreme effect of the gratitude therapy manifest at the moment after the intervention executed; (4) Person’s baseline tends to be more positive than negative; (5) Occurrence of personal problems; and (6) Cultural influences. 3. Gratitude therapy has a positive effect on the SWB of the respondents. It is revealed in the gratitude journal of the respondents that positive emotional experiences got a total of 67.36% and while only 32.64% registered for negative emotions which imply that majority of the emotional experiences of the participants are positive. This findings support the results that intervention has improved items with the participants’ feeling of being happy and cheerful. Conclusions: Based on the results of the study, the following conclusions are drawn: 1.The mean scores of the pre-tests and post-tests of the SWB of the BA students indicate a positive effect wherein the Positive Affect posttests are higher than the pre-tests while the Negative Affect post tests have lower scores that denote that gratitude therapy improves SWB. It appears that gratitude condition not only fostered daily positive affect but also reduced daily negative affect during the 10-day study period. 2. There is a significant difference between the pre-test and post-test of the Negative Affect while there is an effect occurs in the Positive Affect but did not reach statistical significance level. This was supported by the participants’ emotional responses. Reason to take into account are the following: attendance of the participants, number of sessions, the extreme effect of the gratitude therapy manifest at the moment after the intervention executed, person’s baseline tends to be more positive than negative, cultural influences and personal problems such as family issues and break ups that probably contribute to the insignificant effect in the PA. Hence, gratitude therapy has further impact and immediate effect in enhancing the Negative Affect of BA students particularly in timid, shyness, downhearted and sleepy as well as in Positive Affect specifically cheerful and happy. 3. The emotional experiences of the Balik Aral students are mostly positive. Considering the presence of positive emotion, the decrease of negative emotion, and a cognitive judgment of satisfaction and fulfillment integrated in both quantitative and qualitative data, it signify that gratitude therapy provides substantial impact on their subjective well-being. Furthermore, the researchers found out that gratitude therapy intends not only to diminish negative feelings, most specifically timid, shy, sleepy and downhearted, to alleviate suffering and to undo its root causes but also foster one’s happiness. Recommendations: After drawing the conclusions of the study, the researchers hereby make the following suggestions/recommendations: Balik Aral Students. The researchers propose to the Balik Aral students to continue the practice of gratitude rituals every day in order to lessen burdens, increase level of happiness dramatically, enjoy a healthier lifestyle, and build better relationships with others. Psychologists. Gratitude therapy is a new method in positive psychology and it intends not only to foster positive feelings but also diminish negative feelings to alleviate suffering and to undo its root causes. Through this approach, psychologists would be able to help their clients solve problems through reinterpreting the situation in a positive way (grateful way) and try to find the potential for growth, particularly the depression since gratitude therapy can increase the feeling of happiness same with anxiety level given that results that gratitude therapy decrease nervousness. For future researchers. Due to the lack of consistency in the results of this study as well as the two other studies, more replication studies are necessary. The researchers suggest that they may try to expand the length of the session with no gaps in between so that the possibility of having both significant differences on the PA and NA of the participants would be high since gratitude therapy have a good effect on the SWB in just 10 sessions. Aside from that, willingness and voluntary participation of the participants are suggested to avoid inconsistency of attendance and gratitude rituals such as making gratitude lists seem to work better when people are highly motivated to participate. Moreover, the researchers also recommend examining and determining the most effective gratitude rituals applicable for Asians. There is also a need to explore gratitude in the country in view of the fact that studies regarding gratitude therapy are all conducted at western countries. Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP). The researchers recommend to explore on the area of gratitude most specifically for Filipinos. This may promote excellence in the practice of Psychology in the Philippines and may contribute to the Sikolohiyang Pilipino to support the psychological needs of individuals and/or organizations that are in the vortex of social transformation.

Item Type:	Thesis (Undergraduate)
Additional Information:	PSY 1005 2011
Keywords:	Subjects: Gratitude; Balik-aral Program (DLSU-D); Subjective well-being (Psychology).
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Users:	College of Education > Professional Education
Depositing User:	Users 4 not found.
Date Deposited:	12 Aug 2015 01:27
Last Modified:	08 Jun 2021 01:19
URI:	https://thesis.dlsud.edu.ph/id/eprint/1312

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