Thanks!: How Practicing Gratitude Can Make You Happier [Paperback]

Robert Emmons (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 6, 2008

The first major study of gratitude that shows how “wanting what we have” can measurably change people’s lives.

 

Did you know that there is a crucial component of happiness that is often overlooked? Robert Emmons—editor-in-chief of the Journal of Positive Psychology—examines what it means to think and feel gratefully in Thanks! and invites readers to learn how to put this powerful emotion into practice. Scientifically speaking, regular grateful thinking can increase happiness by as much as 25 percent, while keeping a gratitude journal for as little as three weeks results in better sleep and more energy. But there's more than science to embrace here: Emmons also bolsters the case for gratitude by weaving in writings of philosophers, novelists, and theologians that illustrate all the benefits grateful living brings. 

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

DR. ROBERT EMMONS is a professor at the University of California, Davis, and one of the leading scholars in the positive psychology movement. He is also editor-in-chief of the Journal of Positive Psychology. His work on gratitude has been featured in the Washington Post, the New Republic, Newsweek, and other mainstream media. Dr. Emmons has received multiple grants from the National Institute of Mental Health and the John Templeton Foundation.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Mariner Books; Reprint edition (November 6, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0547085737
• ISBN-13: 978-0547085739
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 4.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #48,248 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars compelling and enjoyable account about the importance of gratitude, October 1, 2008

By 

Jeffrey J. Froh (Assistant Professor, Hofstra University, New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Thanks!: How Practicing Gratitude Can Make You Happier (Paperback)

In his latest book, "Thanks!: How the New Science of Gratitude can Make you Happier," Dr. Robert Emmons shares his expertise about the personal and interpersonal benefits of gratitude. While gratitude has a long history among philosophers and theologians, it was not until the turn of the 21st century that psychology finally began to give gratitude its deserved empirical homage. The individual largely responsible for the scientific advancement of gratitude is Dr. Emmons. In its simplest terms, gratitude is a positive response to a benefit. But its related outcomes reach well beyond those associated with being polite. Indeed, pioneering research conducted and reviewed by Dr. Emmons shows that gratitude improves emotional and physical health, as well as bolsters relationships and communities. "Thanks!" ends by providing readers with 10 practical strategies for becoming more grateful. Some strategies include keeping a gratitude journal, learning prayers of gratitude, and using visual reminders. Following the advice of Dr. Emmons, my screensaver now reads: "Life is a Gift--Thanks!" Cultivating an attitude of gratitude is tough. It is, according to Dr. Emmons, a "chosen attitude." We must be willing to recognize and acknowledge that we are the recipients of an unearned benefit. If we roll up our sleeves and commit ourselves to becoming grateful, we will see that with gratitude comes abundance. "Thanks!" is a highly readable, colorful, and downright fun book. Personal anecdotes and gratitude essays written by research participants bring to life Dr. Emmon's research program demonstrating the strong and enduring benefits of gratitude. So with patience and persistence, happiness, health, and stronger relationships await you. It just comes down to one simple, yet highly complex word--thanks!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Cultivating the Meaningful Life., May 16, 2009

By 

Michael B. Frisch (Waco, TX USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Thanks!: How Practicing Gratitude Can Make You Happier (Paperback)

This is a wonderful, powerful, and fun book that puts the science of happiness and gratitude at your fingertips. Yes, Virginia, there is a science to happiness. This leading researcher shares ways to cultivate a perpetual attitude of gratitude that really work in making us grateful, but also happier. Wisdom traditions the world over have long understood the power of gratitude. A happiness habit of gratitude gives life meaning. It also has the potential to make every interaction we have throughout our day richer and more fulfilling.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a gift, March 10, 2009

By 

R. Raybin "Wealth Manager" (Redwood Shores, CA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Thanks!: How Practicing Gratitude Can Make You Happier (Paperback)

This books helps answer long held questions. It provides insights and recommendations for how each of us can enjoy a more uplifting and fulfilling life. All it takes is a little thanks.

Read the book. Then you'll understand what I am sharing it with all my friends and loved ones. You'll want to do the same.