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Theory, Research and Practice

Table 1 Components of appreciative functioning identified in Study 1

From: Components of Appreciative Functioning: A Thematic Analysis of Relevant Literature and Content Analysis of Existing Measurement Scales

Component

Description

Attention and Awareness

 Present moment

Attending to stimuli in the present moment

 Simple pleasures

Noticing simple things of value

 Positive searching

Searching for positive aspects of situations

 Reminiscence

Attending to positive past situations

 ‘Have’ focus

Attending to tangible and intangible assets

Comprehension and Coping

 Beliefs of abundance

Belief that one’s life has many good things

 Counter-factual thinking

Considering situations that might have been

 Social comparison

Comparing one’s situation to those of others

 Impermanence

Appreciating the temporary nature of situations

 Schemas

Beliefs that influence gratefulness

 Refocussing

Using gratefulness to combat negative emotions

 Benefit finding

Finding benefits of negative situations

 Self-concept

Viewing oneself as a grateful person

 Self-efficacy

Perceived ability to regulate one’s gratefulness

Emotions

 Affective gratefulness

The frequency or strength of feeling grateful

 Contentment

Feeling content with one’s life

 Acceptance

Lacking feelings of resentment or regret

 Privilege

Feeling privileged or fortunate and not entitled

 Awe

Feelings of awe and wonder

Goals and Habits

 Simplicity

Valuing non-material assets over material goods

 Valuing gratefulness

Valuing gratefulness as important

 Intention and motivation

Intending to experience gratefulness

 Rituals

Having regular habits that promote gratefulness

 Co-operation

Working together with others to achieve goals

 Savouring

Rituals enhancing the benefits of positive events

Relationships and Virtues

 Agency of others

Benefits provided through the agency of others

 Costly benefit

Cost to the benefactors of their agency

 Relational impact

Social consequences of gratitude

 Social expression

Expressing gratitude to others

 Kindness

Giving or showing kindness to others

 Relationships

One’s relationships with others

 Social norms

Social norms that support gratefulness