Gratitude-based interventions for treating ruminative depression

Abstract

This thesis proposes gratitude-based interventions to ameliorate depression characterized by rumination. Gratitude focuses the individual's attention on benefits received from another in an upward spiral, in contrast to the negative spiral characteristic of depression. Both state and trait gratitude are correlated with multiple positive outcomes. This dissertation develops and compiles methods for depressed persons to access the positive benefits of gratitude through an incremental sequence of gratitude-based interventions based upon the approach of positive psychology, within the framework of cognitive behavioral therapy. Although the psychoeducational and behavioral interventions proposed have not yet been empirically tested, the author reviews literature suggesting their effectiveness.