No thanks! Autonomous interpersonal style is associated with less experience and valuing of gratitude

ABSTRACT

Gratitude has been promoted as a beneficial emotional experience. However, gratitude is not universally experienced as positive. The current work examines whether an autonomous interpersonal style is associated with differential experience of gratitude. Study 1 found an inverse relationship between trait autonomy and both trait gratitude and positivity of response to receiving a hypothetical benefit from a friend. Study 2 replicated the finding that those higher in autonomy report less trait gratitude, and also demonstrated an inverse relationship between autonomy and valuing gratitude. Study 3 found that those higher in autonomy had more self-image goals and reduced compassionate goals in relationships, and that valuing gratitude mediated the relationship between autonomy and relationship goals. These results show a consistent inverse relationship between autonomy and the experience and valuing of gratitude, suggesting that degree of autonomy is one determinant of whether gratitude is experienced as positive.

KEYWORDS:

• Positive emotions
• gratitude
• autonomy
• relationship goals
• interpersonal functioning

Acknowledgements

We thank Randa Abu-Rahmeh, Kathleen Calcerano, Bryan Lee, Monica Nehls, Elin Ryd, and Marilyn Savich for assistance with data collection, as well as Nate Herr for his assistance with statistical analysis.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1. For brevity, henceforth when we use the word “autonomy” it will refer to an autonomous interpersonal style.