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Many personal development and self-help programmes focus on the importance of gratitude. Indeed, research has proven its links to positive outcomes such as increased personal resilience and beneficial physiological changes such as increased oxytocin, dopamine and endorphins which lead to reduced stress and enhanced wellbeing. Gratitude can be helpful on a social level too – it is better to be around grateful people than those who are ungrateful or who simply do not notice the many good things around them.

Perspectives takes a broader approach, however. Instead of focusing on gratitude, the emphasis is on the wider concept of appreciation. The terms gratitude and appreciation are often used interchangeably but they are subtly different – and those differences are important.

What is gratitude?

Gratitude is a short-lived state of thankfulness which usually focuses on a specific situation or act. It is an emotional response that can come on suddenly and fade quickly when a person’s focus shifts, being replaced by more urgent or immediate emotions.

Although gratitude has its limitations it does have proven benefits to an individual’s overall wellbeing and can ‘open the door’ to a deeper sense of appreciation, so its value should not be undermined.

What is appreciation?

In its most literal sense, appreciation means to ‘increase the value of something’. Appreciation goes deeper than gratitude. It recognises the intrinsic value of someone or something rather than just a specific aspect of it. With appreciation, an individual recognises the value of what something is rather than feeling relief for what it isn’t. 

Appreciation is a more conscious recognition of the inherent value of something, whereas gratitude is more of an emotional response

What are the key differences?

The differences between appreciation and gratitude are summarised in the table below. 

 GratitudeAppreciation
TriggerUsually initiated by a single act or event -someone does something for you or something happens and you experience positive feelings as a result.More all-encompassing – you can appreciate something without it being ‘done for you’ or something happening.
FocusThe focus is on the specific act or event.The focus is on the inherent quality or value of an individual, object or moment.
PerceptionOften about what you have received.About what you perceive to be valuable.
ContextOften (but not always) interpersonal.More likely to be internal or observational – appreciating nature, your achievements, or someone’s qualities.
DurationOften short lived/fleeting, in the moment, reactive.More long-term/enduring, proactive.
Secondary feelingsSometimes comes with a sense of indebtedness or a feeling that there is an obligation to ‘pay back’Often more neutral and positive – you can acknowledge the value of something without a sense of obligation.

There are some exceptions and some oversimplifications for the purpose of clarity and brevity.

Some examples

A friend runs an errand for you because you are unwell. Gratitude is when you feel thankful for not having to do the task, appreciation is recognising the value of having a kind, generous friend.

Your child has been unwell and is now feeling better. Gratitude is the feeling of emotional relief that their illness did not turn into something more serious and, on a more superficial level, that you will finally be able to get a good night’s sleep tonight. Appreciation would be the enduring positive feeling you get when you reflect on the fact that your child is currently able to live a healthy and happy life.

At work, your boss covers your shift so that you can attend a friend’s funeral. Gratitude is the immediate feeling that experience when she helps you to attend an event that matters deeply to you. Appreciation is felt over the following weeks and months when you reflect on how supportive your work environment is and how your boss makes everyone feel valued by showing empathy and compassion.

What does this mean in practice?

Both gratitude and appreciation have benefits, but if you can cultivate feelings of appreciation this is likely to bring greater, more lasting effects. Appreciation enables us to be mindful the value around us rather than simply noticing extraordinary gestures and events by shifting from a mindset of reaction, towards one of recognition.

So, practice gratitude by all means, but strive to live with a sense of appreciation.

Categories: Appreciation

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