Not all gratitude is created equal. A psychologist explains
Not All Gratitude is Created Equal: A Psychological Perspective
In the insightful video “Not All Gratitude is Created Equal,” Dr. Sarah Schnitker, a psychologist at Baylor University, delves into the nuances of gratitude and its profound impact on our well-being. While gratitude is widely recognized as an essential virtue that fosters connection, Schnitker emphasizes that the object of our gratitude matters significantly.
Through her research, Schnitker explores three ways people express gratitude: through prayer, journaling, and sharing with others. Surprisingly, her findings reveal that gratitude expressed through prayer yields greater health benefits compared to other methods. This suggests that feeling linked to a higher power or something transcendent can enhance our sense of belonging and purpose, especially in an age marked by rising loneliness.
Moreover, Schnitker encourages individuals who may not identify with a deity to find gratitude in the beauty of existence—be it a magnificent sunset or the wonders of nature. By embracing gratitude as a powerful force that connects us, we can cultivate stronger relationships and combat feelings of isolation. Ultimately, understanding the depth of gratitude can transform our lives and communities, making it a truly potent virtue.
For a deeper dive into this transformative concept, watch the full interview on The Well.
Watch the video by Big Think
Author Video Description
This interview is an episode from @The-Well, our publication about ideas that inspire a life well-lived, created with the @JohnTempletonFoundation.
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Gratitude connects us, but how we express it might matter more than we think.
Baylor professor of psychology and neuroscience Sarah Schnitker explores how practicing gratitude can lead to stronger relationships and greater well-being. Her lab found that gratitude expressed through prayer may offer even more benefits than journaling or speaking it aloud, and that feeling connected to something larger may help combat today’s growing loneliness.
Read the video transcript ► https://bigthink.com/the-well/how-gratitude-changes-you/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=youtube_description_bigthink
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About Sarah Schnitker:
Dr. Sarah Schnitker, PhD, Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Baylor University and Director of the BRIGHTS Center, researches virtue development in youth. Specializing in patience, self-control, and gratitude, she has 100+ publications, $10M in grants, and mentors doctoral students in science and virtue.
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Video “Not all gratitude is created equal. A psychologist explains” was uploaded on 11/04/2025 to Youtube Channel Big Think