A new study from the National University of Ireland, Maynooth, reveals that expressing gratitude can protect heart health.
Participants who showed the most gratitude during the study had a lower risk of experiencing a heart attack in the next four to nine years.
How the Study Was Conducted
Psychologist Brian Livy, the lead author of the study, believes the findings provide further evidence that “positive emotions, such as gratitude, are linked to better health outcomes, particularly in strengthening cardiovascular health.”
The researchers involved 912 individuals with an average age of 57. Initially, they were asked to respond to the statement, “I have a lot to be thankful for in my life.” They also indicated how grateful they felt towards a “wide range of people,” as reported by the Daily Mail. To increase stress levels, volunteers were then asked to complete arithmetic and color-word tests. If participants failed to provide a quick answer, it was automatically marked as incorrect.
What the Researchers Discovered
The researchers analyzed the test results and then monitored the participants’ health over the next nine years.
Volunteers who expressed high levels of gratitude towards events and people in their lives, and whose heart rates increased in response to stress tests, were found to be less prone to heart attacks. This is significant given that heart rate is associated with the risk of heart attacks.
Meanwhile, the study authors suggest that individuals who exert more effort in stressful situations tend to be the most grateful in life. They are generally less susceptible to stress, as they are content with what they have and inclined towards healthier lifestyles. Therefore, they potentially have a lower risk of experiencing a heart attack.
and are better protected against heart attacks.
The researchers also noted that the most grateful individuals were less likely to suffer a heart attack, regardless of their age, body mass index, or smoking status.
The results of the study were published in the journal Biological Psychology.