Gratitude is not simply a cultural construct. It’s a part of our evolutionary history, our DNA, our brains, and therefore our development as people. Gratitude is present in all cultures and is integral to most world religions. Robert Trivers, who introduced the theory of reciprocal altruism in 1971, suggests that gratitude is the emotion that regulates our response to altruistic acts by others and motivates our gratitude response. We aren’t the only ones, either. A diverse number of species practice reciprocal altruism including fish, birds, rodents, primates, and cetaceans.
Develop your gratitude with this free worksheet curated by a Licensed Mental Health Counselor.
Gratitude Worksheet
All material provided in these resources is for informational or educational purposes only. No content is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your physician or mental health professional regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations with respect to your symptoms or medical condition. All rights reserved.