Podcast Points: Baylor Social Psychologist Discusses the Power of Gratitude

The month of November ushers in a season of thanks and reflections on gratitude. For Jo-Ann Tsang, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology at Baylor University, gratitude is more than a seasonal sentiment. Tsang joins the Baylor Connections podcast to discuss the benefits of gratitude and the applications for cultivating more gratitude. 

Podcast Points with Jo-Ann Tsang, Ph.D. 

Defining Gratitude 

• As a social psychologist, Tsang typically looks at discrete instances of gratitude meaning “something that someone feels in a particular situation where someone else has done something good for them.” 
• More broadly, gratitude can include ongoing appreciation for people and a sense of gratitude for life itself. 

Benefits of Gratitude

• Gratitude can increase positive emotions and well-being. However, Tsang relates that it is important to practice gratitude in the appropriate contexts and with thought and intention. 
• “It bothers me that we chase after positive emotions as an end in themselves, rather than looking to see what it is that’s causing us to feel positive and how we can nurture it,” Tsang said.
• In addition, gratitude encourages people to appreciate and nurture their relationships, but Tsang encourages thoughtful reflection on the health and satisfaction of those relationships. 

Deep Reflection, Recognizing a Giver & Outward Expression 

• Deep reflection involves intentionally cultivating gratitude. Intentionally setting time aside to think about and through all the different ways you can be grateful creates a habit where it becomes easier to see and feel gratitude for simpler things, Tsang said. 
• As social beings, it is important to acknowledge the people who contribute to our well-being as it deepens interpersonal connections and positively impacts mental and physical health, Tsang said. 
• Though it might feel awkward initially, Tsang explains that expressing gratitude directly to others creates a positive cycle which strengthens relationships and increases relationship satisfaction. 

LISTEN TO THE CONVERSATION 

Listen to the full conversation with Jo-Ann Tsang on the Baylor Connections podcast. 

ABOUT BAYLOR CONNECTIONS

Baylor Connections with host Derek Smith goes in depth each week with Baylor leaders, professors and more, discussing important topics in higher education, research and student life. Baylor Connections airs on Fridays at 11 a.m. CT on KWBU 103.3FM in Waco. The podcast also is available online or by subscribing to Baylor Connections on iTunes.

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked Research 1 institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 20,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions. Learn more about Baylor University at www.baylor.edu.