Abstract

The positive personality traits/human strengths mindfulness and gratitude are attracting increasing attention in the literature. Two separate studies were undertaken to evaluate quality of life and health outcomes in individuals who are more mindful and more grateful versus those who are not mindful and not grateful. In study 1, 315 male soldiers completed standardized scales of mindfulness (MAAS), gratitude (GQ-6), general health, life satisfaction, quality of life, insomnia severity, and perceived stress. Participants were divided into three groups: a high dispositional mindfulness/gratitude group (high mindfulness/gratitude individuals), a low dispositional mindfulness/gratitude group (low mindfulness/gratitude individuals), and a moderate dispositional mindfulness/gratitude group (medium mindfulness/gratitude individuals). Data were analyzed using a series of multivariate analyses of variance. The results showed significant differences in quality of life, life satisfaction, perceived stress, mental health, insomnia, gratitude, and mindfulness among the high mindfulness, medium mindfulness, and low mindfulness groups, as well as among individuals in the high gratitude, medium gratitude, and low gratitude groups (p < 0.001). For study 2, data were collected from 432 college students (207 female) who completed the mindfulness (MAAS), self-regulation, and psychological symptoms (depression, anxiety, and stress; DASS-21) scales. The results showed significant differences in level of depression, anxiety, stress, and self-regulation among individuals in the high mindfulness, medium mindfulness, and low mindfulness groups (p < 0.001). Moreover, the results of both studies indicated that the rate and pattern of relationships between mindfulness and/or gratitude with the variables under investigation were different according to the individuals' personality type (i.e., high/low mindfulness traits and high/low gratitude traits). Together, the results of these studies indicate that individuals with more mindful and grateful traits enjoy a higher quality of life and more physical and psychological well-being.