The science of variation in gratitude: demographic variable-based variations in gratitude among Indians

Gratitude plays a vital role in human well-being, influencing emotional resilience, social relationships, and overall life satisfaction. Yet its cultural and demographic dimensions remain underexplored. This study assesses gratitude levels using the Hindu Gratitude Scale (HGS) across five dimensions which are parents, God, teachers, fellow human beings, and ecosystem and examines demographic variations in gratitude expression selected through purposive sampling for diverse inclusion of population with a sample size of 2,920. The study investigates how age, gender, education, marital status, occupation, income, and family structure shape gratitude expression in individuals. Findings reveal older adults show higher gratitude than middle-aged individuals. Also, people living in rural area exhibits greater gratitude than urban populations. As per as education qualifications are concerned, gratitude of respondents decrease with their education level. Married individuals show greater gratitude than separated individuals. Occupational and income differences also emerge, with government employees and students expressing more gratitude than private-sector workers and freelancers. The extended and joint family structure showed a higher level of gratitude than the nuclear. The results also found that there is no variation in level of gratitude on the basis of gender. This study explores the level of gratitude in the Indian context, contrasting with Western individualistic perspectives. Insights are useful for further cultural studies, framing inclusive educational policies, and workplace well-being programs. Future research should explore cross-cultural and longitudinal trends in gratitude in terms of diversified population and its evolving nature with each individual.