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Appreciated and Motivated: Examining Whether, When, and Why Receiving Gratitude Enhances Instrumentality Intentions
Emily R O'Brien1, Amanda L Forest1
1University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
Personality & Social Psychology Bulletin
|August 22, 2025
Summary
Expressing gratitude for instrumental support in romantic relationships boosts future helpfulness. This effect holds even if the partner doesn't achieve their goal, especially in lower-quality relationships.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Relationship Science
Background:
- Close relationships are vital for goal pursuit, with instrumental support from partners being highly beneficial.
- The motivational factors driving continued partner instrumentality remain underexplored.
- Gratitude is a key emotion in social bonding and reciprocity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether receiving gratitude for instrumental support influences future intentions to provide such support in romantic relationships.
- To examine the conditions and mechanisms underlying the link between gratitude receipt and future instrumentality intentions (FIIs).
Main Methods:
- A correlational study (Study 1) and two experimental studies (Studies 2 and 3) were conducted.
- The experimental studies manipulated the expression of gratitude received by participants for their instrumental support.
- Future instrumentality intentions (FIIs) were measured as the primary outcome.
Main Results:
- Receiving expressions of gratitude significantly predicted higher future instrumentality intentions (FIIs).
- This positive association between gratitude receipt and FIIs was observed irrespective of whether the partner successfully achieved their goal.
- Gratitude receipt was particularly effective in enhancing FIIs for individuals in lower-quality romantic relationships.
Conclusions:
- Expressions of gratitude serve as a significant motivator for continued instrumental support in romantic relationships.
- Gratitude receipt plays a crucial role in maintaining support processes, especially in relationships facing challenges.
- Findings provide a foundation for understanding the long-term impact of gratitude on relationship dynamics and support behaviors.
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