Abstract

This study is an experimental investigation that examined the causal effects of gratitude, one of the core constructs of positive psychology, on trust and well-being through the development of a gratitude-based program. The study operationalized gratitude by newly conceptualizing its components and developing a measurement scale to assess these components. Empirical findings confirmed that gratitude significantly influenced both trust and well-being. Based on these findings, a gratitude enhancement program grounded in the LG Model of gratitude was developed. Specifically, the gratitude model conceptualizes gratitude through three dimensions: innate tendencies (gratitude disposition), acquired tendencies (gratitude experience), and practical tendencies (gratitude expression). The program, based on the “Empty-Fill-Share” model, consisted of eight group coaching sessions, incorporating processes of letting go of negativity, cultivating positivity, and sharing gratitude. Twenty-two participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 11), which participated in the program, or a control group (n = 11), which did not. Pre- and post-tests were conducted to compare differences in gratitude, trust, and well-being between groups. The results indicated that: (1) participation in the gratitude program increased overall gratitude levels, including gratitude disposition, gratitude experience, and gratitude expression; (2) the program enhanced overall trust, including self-trust, interpersonal trust, and organizational trust; and (3) the program improved overall well-being, including physical and mental health, interpersonal relationships, positive experiences, and positive practices. These findings suggest that the newly developed standardized gratitude program is effective not only in enhancing gratitude but also in improving trust and well-being, indicating its potential positive effects on various psychological variables. However, as gratitude behaviors may be influenced by various psychological factors such as demographic characteristics, values, and perspectives, further studies are needed to enhance the generalizability of these findings.