This research was conducted to examine the hypothesis that expressing gratitude to a relationship partner enhances one\u2019s perception of the relationship\u2019s communal strength. In Study 1 (N<\/i> = 137), a cross-sectional survey, expressing gratitude to a relationship partner was positively associated with the expresser\u2019s perception of the communal strength of the relationship. In Study 2 (N<\/i> = 218), expressing gratitude predicted increases in the expresser\u2019s perceptions of the communal strength of the relationship across time. In Study 3 (N<\/i> = 75), participants were randomly assigned to an experimental condition, in which they expressed gratitude to a friend, or to one of three control conditions, in which they thought grateful thoughts about a friend, thought about daily activities, or had positive interactions with a friend. At the end of the study, perceived communal strength was higher among participants in the expression-of-gratitude condition than among those in all three control conditions. We discuss the theoretical and applied implications of these findings and suggest directions for future research.<\/p>\n
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Lambert, N. M., Clark, M. S., Durtschi, J., Fincham, F. D., & Graham, S. M. (2010). Benefits of expressing gratitude: Expressing gratitude to a partner changes one\u2019s view of the relationship. <\/span>Psychological Science, 21<\/span>(4), 574-580.<\/span><\/p>\n