What Regulates Gratitude Response of Women and Men? The Role of the Received Good, Psychosocial Factors, and Repayment

Abstract

This paper touches upon gender differences concerning psychosocial factors related to the emotional reaction of gratitude and forms of expressing gratitude in quasi-experimental conditions. It is based on findings from a study conducted on 576 participants of both sexes, aged 14 to 86 years. There were used three versions of the same questionnaire, depending on the type of the received good—material, intangible, or none. The participants’ gratitude level (as a trait), self-esteem, and emotional intelligence were measured. The findings revealed that women and young adults experience the highest levels of gratitude. Gender and age significantly differentiated the preferred ways of showing gratitude. Gratitude level was found to be positively correlated with self-esteem, emotional intelligence, and readiness to help people—both the benefactor and others. Getting an intangible good was associated with the strongest urge to reciprocate the benefactor. The preferred way of showing gratitude significantly varied between the investigated groups.