Published Paper Details:

Gratitude has been increasingly recognized as a significant construct within positive psychology, contributing to various aspects of mental health and well-being. However, limited research has examined how its influence varies across different stages of life. The present study explores the relationship between daily gratitude and key mental health outcomes--emotional well-being, life satisfaction, and perceived stress--among adolescents, adults, and older adults. A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed with a sample of 120 participants equally distributed across three age groups. Standardized instruments, including the Daily Gratitude-Mental Health Lifespan Scale (DG-MHLS), PANAS, Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), were used. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis. Findings revealed that gratitude is significantly associated with emotional well-being (r = .50, p < .01) and life satisfaction (r = .40, p < .01), but not significantly related to perceived stress (r = -.06, p > .05). Significant differences across age groups were observed for gratitude and positive mental health variables, while stress remained consistent. Regression analysis indicated that gratitude significantly predicts emotional well-being and life satisfaction but not stress. The findings highlight gratitude as a resource that enhances positive mental health outcomes, while its role in reducing stress appears limited. The study contributes to a lifespan understanding of gratitude and its psychological relevance.