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

Review

"We can all be grateful to Robert Emmons for this pioneering work." --David G. Myers, Ph.D., author of The Pursuit of Happiness

“Robert Emmons is the world’s leading expert on the psychology of gratitude. . . This is a morally elevating book.” --Jonathan Haidt, author of The Happiness Hypothesis

"I am convinced Robert Emmons is right: increasing the national state of gratitude would change the world." --Jim Clifton, Chairman & CEO of The Gallup Organization

"Emmons presents clear and practical ways in which everyone can begin to immensely improve their quality of life." --Dallas Willard, Professor of Philosophy at USC as well as author of Renovation of the Heart

"Gratitude’s benefits should be enough to convince even the most cynical secularist that this emotion is essential for achieving happiness." -- Spirituality & Practice Magazine

"A serious, skillful exploration of a current arena of psychological research, by one of the leaders in that emerging field." --Steve Heilig The San Francisco Chronicle

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: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #97,817 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 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

Format: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!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

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

By Michael B. Frisch

Format: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.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful

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

By R. Raybin

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

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.