Americans Seeing Positive Emotional Shifts Post-Pandemic
Despite Lingering Global Uncertainty
HEALDSBURG, Calif. and CHENEY, Wash., July 19,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In the third wave of the
landmark longitudinal study on gratitude conducted by Eastern Washington University (EWU) and Gracianna
Winery, gratitude remains the highest-rated positive emotion among
Americans, showing significant recovery from the early days of the
COVID-19 pandemic when the survey first launched.
The key finding is that despite ongoing global challenges,
Americans are experiencing a resurgence in positive emotions, with
gratitude once again once again emerging as the most frequent
emotion reported.
Gratitude on the Rise
The study—based on survey results from over 580 American
adults—reveals that gratitude, which had seen a decline during the
height of the pandemic, is now on an upward trajectory. Positive
emotions, including happiness and joy, have also increased,
suggesting a brighter emotional outlook for many Americans,
particularly with younger cohorts. The data shows that negative
emotions, including worry, have been consistently decreasing since
the spring of 2021, indicating a general improvement in overall
emotional well-being.
Current Emotional Landscape
Respondents in 2024 report feeling significantly more positive
emotions than in previous years. Gratitude continues to strongly
correlate with happiness, highlighting its vital role in fostering
a positive emotional state—over 50% of respondents indicated that
they experience gratitude "quite a bit" or "extremely."
Interestingly, while gratitude remains a powerful contributor to
happiness, the study suggests that a growing sense of hopefulness
is also playing a significant role in emotional health. Researchers
will monitor this finding to determine if this is a stable or
growing emotion.
Personal Development and Compassion
The study also shines a light on some reassuring trends in
personal growth and compassion. Respondents share that they feel
more compassionate towards others, putting more effort into their
close relationships, and a willingness to lend a helping hand to
those in need. Additionally, many individuals recognize their own
strength and resilience, and are discovering what truly matters in
their lives
Coping with Global Challenges
In the face of ongoing global issues, Americans report that they
are relying on various coping mechanisms to help them deal with
these stressors. Active coping through friends and relatives
remains the highest, followed by gratitude and avoidance of
negative news. While empathy for others is high, self-compassion
remains relatively low, which suggests that people are relying
on other-focused rather than self-focused coping. However, the
study suggests that as people become more grateful, their happiness
and outlook on the future improve.
Looking Forward
Respondents generally anticipate feeling more positive emotions
than negative ones in the coming months. When asked about their
emotional outlook for the next 2-3 months, two-thirds expect to
feel happy and over 60% anticipate feeling grateful and thankful.
Americans are maintaining a hopeful outlook and using gratitude as
a tool for resilience and personal growth.
Lisa Amador of Gracianna,
reflects: "We are encouraged to see gratitude making such a strong
comeback. It's a powerful force for instilling optimism and
resilience as we navigate the complexities of our world.
Philip Watkins of EWU adds, "The
resurgence of gratitude signifies a positive shift in our
collective emotional health. As we move forward, it's crucial to
continue fostering gratitude and hope, which are essential for our
well-being and societal harmony."
ABOUT GRACIANNA WINERY
Gracianna on the Miracle Mile of Westside Road in Sonoma County makes wines for those with
something to be grateful for.
ABOUT EASTERN WASHINGTON
UNIVERSITY
Eastern Washington University is a
regional public university Spokane,
Washington offering programs that provide students with
unique educational and career opportunities.
Media Contact:
Lisa Amador
380538@email4pr.com
707-486-3771
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SOURCE Gracianna Winery