Achieving fulfilment in life: Cultivating the mindset of gratitude among thai adolescents

Abstract

Gratitude plays a significant role in nurturing holistic health and wellbeing in adolescent. However, cultivating the mindset of gratitude is associated with several factors, in particular, culture and religion. Therefore, an opportunity exists for studies to be undertaken, exploring gratitude specifically within the Thai culture. This grounded theory study aimed to understand how Thai adolescents cultivated a mindset of gratitude. Data were gathered from 27 participants, aged 15 to 19 years. Purposeful and theoretical sampling techniques were used to select participants. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, written stories, and drawn pictures. Data analysis was guided by Strauss and Corbin’s grounded theory. The core category of “Achieving Fulfilment in Life”—reflecting the process of cultivating the mindset of gratitude among Thai adolescents— comprised three categories: (a) condition: appreciating the value of oneself and others; (b) strategies: committing to live life on a positive life path; and (c) consequence: attaining true happiness. The findings illustrated the processes involved in cultivating the mindset of gratitude, highlighting how this may help in the development of a holistic health promotion program using the concept of gratitude to enhance the health and wellbeing of adolescents.