Focusing on Close Relationships Associated With Improved Outcomes in a Workplace Gratitude Randomized Controlled
Katherine J Gold1, Margaret L Dobson, Ananda Sen
1From the Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan (K.J.G., M.L.D., A.S.); Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan (K.J.G.); and Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan (A.S.).
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
|June 25, 2025
Summary
Gratitude journaling focusing on relationships significantly boosts healthcare worker well-being. Specific content matters, with close connections yielding the greatest benefits for mental health.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Medical Research
- Digital Health Interventions
Background:
- Healthcare worker well-being is crucial for quality patient care.
- Existing gratitude interventions show promise but lack content specificity.
- The impact of specific gratitude practices on healthcare professionals remains under-explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if the content of gratitude practices influences well-being in healthcare workers.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a text-based gratitude intervention, "Three Good Things" (3GT).
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial using a text-based "Three Good Things" (3GT) intervention.
- Participants texted gratitude entries thrice weekly for three weeks.
- Well-being outcomes (depression, positive affect, gratitude, life satisfaction) were measured and >4600 entries were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Close relationships and identifying valuable people were linked to the most significant well-being improvements.
- Not all "good things" listed in gratitude exercises positively impacted outcomes.
- The study controlled for department age, role, and gender in its analysis.
Conclusions:
- Gratitude interventions may be more impactful when focusing on interpersonal relationships.
- Tailoring gratitude content to emphasize social connections could enhance benefits for healthcare workers.
Keywords:
depressiongratitudehealth care workersinterpersonal relationspositive psychologyprimary carewellnessMore Related Videos
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