Though the story behind Thanksgiving is multi-faceted (Cain and Hadden, 2022), millions will celebrate on the fourth Thursday in November. They’ll be dedicating a chunk of time to give thanks. However, their experiences may not match the research.
Studies on gratitude
A 2023 meta-analysis and review concluded that gratitude interventions can positively affect people.
- increasing feelings of and recognition of appreciation
- upping life satisfaction levels
- boosting mental health
- uplifting mood and positive emotions experienced
“Acts of gratitude can be used as a therapeutic complement for treating anxiety and depression and can increase positive feelings and emotions in the general population” (Diniz and colleagues, 2023).
Yet many people feel sadder and more anxious on Thanksgiving. For example, some people:
- feel extra alone or lonely
- worry about the extra pressures
- can’t afford to celebrate but want to
- dislike being together on the holidays
- already struggle with mental distress that the day amplifies
There’s a lot that Thanksgiving can bring up for folks. We don’t choose the day; it happens to us. And there are often unrealistic expectations of glee amid a complex world. Some might go so far as to categorize those expectations as toxic positivity. (Click for full article)
