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Neural correlates of gratitude
Glenn R Fox1, Jonas Kaplan1, Hanna Damasio1
1Department of Psychology, Brain and Creativity Institute, University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Frontiers in Psychology
|October 21, 2015
Summary
Neuroimaging reveals that gratitude activates brain regions linked to moral cognition and positive emotions. This study explores the neural basis of gratitude, highlighting its connection to benefiting from others' goodwill.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Moral Philosophy
Background:
- Gratitude is a fundamental aspect of human sociality, impacting mental health and relationships.
- The neurobiological underpinnings of gratitude are not yet fully understood.
- Understanding gratitude's neural correlates is crucial for its psychological and social implications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neurobiological correlates of gratitude.
- To identify brain regions activated during the experience of gratitude.
- To explore the relationship between gratitude intensity and neural activity.
Main Methods:
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to measure brain activity.
- Gratitude was induced using evocative stories of Holocaust survivors receiving life-saving aid.
- Participants rated their feelings of gratitude after imagining receiving such aid.
Main Results:
- Gratitude ratings positively correlated with brain activity in the anterior cingulate cortex.
- Gratitude ratings also correlated with activity in the medial prefrontal cortex.
- These regions are associated with moral cognition, value judgment, and theory of mind.
Conclusions:
- The study identifies specific brain circuitry involved in experiencing gratitude.
- Findings support the hypothesis linking gratitude to moral cognition and positive emotions.
- The research offers insights into the neural basis of appreciating the goodwill of others.
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