Expanding the Science and Practice of Gratitude Phase Two

"Expanding the Science and Practice of Gratitude Phase Two" is a three-year follow-on to our pioneering and successful JTF-funded project of the past three years. This new phase is distinctly different in its greater emphasis on communicating the remarkable results of our gratitude research to the public. The compelling dissemination of new research is the heart and soul of the Greater Good Science Center mission, and plays to our greatest strengths: award-winning journalistic excellence at translating science in an engaging way; strong relationships with a variety of institutional and media partners; an existing online audience of over 1 million people globally; and a trusted reputation for integrity, earned in part by our residence at one of the great research universities of the world in Berkeley. For over 10 years the GGSC has mastered the art and science of putting complex new research in the hands of an eager public in practical, useful ways. Gratitude is a virtue that is held in high esteem by virtually everyone, at all times, in all places. Recently, and in large part due to the research projects in ESPG Phase One, scientists have begun to chart a course of studies aimed at empirically elucidating the nature of this timeless virtue. This scientific study of gratitude has begun to yield valuable insights into human nature and the relevance of gratitude in daily life. The new aim of ESPG Phase Two is to extend key lines of research from Phase One, and to leverage their real-world impact by sharing and implementing all these findings—in practical and compelling ways—across a variety of social sectors. We have been enormously gratified by the success of the project over the past three years, and proud of all that its activities have achieved. In fact, The New York Times recently referred to the GGSC as “the epicenter for research on happiness and gratitude”—a reputation we’ve earned thanks to the support of the Foundation.