Studies

-- Greater Good Science Center, University of California, Berkeley is in the midst of a long-term, $3 million study of gratitude. "For too long, we’ve taken gratitude for granted. Yes, “thank you” is an essential, everyday part of family dinners, trips to the store, business deals, and political negotiations. That might be why so many people have dismissed gratitude as simple, obvious, and unworthy of serious attention." Read more here. 

-- Emmons Lab, University of California, Davis, headed by Robert Emmons. Read summary of findings, here.

-- Pursuit-of-Happiness.org, bringing the science of happiness to life.  Treasure gratitude, mindfulness, and hope. Of all the areas studied in the relatively young field of positive psychology, gratitude has perhaps received the most attention. According to studies conducted by Martin Seligman, grateful people have been shown to have greater positive emotion, a greater sense of belonging, and lower incidence of depression and stress. Read more about the 7 habits of happy people here.

-- Positive Psychology Program, University of Pennsylvania, led by Martin E.P. Seligman, Zellerbach Family Professor of Psychology. Read more at the Authentic Happiness website.