Abstract
M.A.
Gratitude is a character strength associated with several positive psychological outcomes, which can be beneficial for adolescent development. In the current study, it is defined as a state of thankfulness for the existence and benevolence received from others (whether human or non-human). Gratitude is also associated with higher levels of subjective well-being, prosocial behaviour, attentiveness and energy. These are important in assisting adolescents in navigating their way away from childhood to adulthood, within diverse cultures and societies. However, limited research on adolescents’ experiences of gratitude, specifically within the South African context, exist.
This study therefore aimed to explore the experiences of gratitude among Black adolescents, as well as their understanding and expression thereof. Six adolescents from a high school in Soweto (Diepkloof), were selected to partake in the study. A focus group was used to gather the data and through the use of a semi-structured interview and thematic analysis the data was collected and analysed. The themes that emerged from the data included, gratitude as being grateful to others, being grateful for negative experiences and expressing gratitude through good behaviour.
The findings indicate that the adolescents’ conceptualisation and understanding of gratitude was aligned with existing research. The participants specifically reported that gratitude was about being thankful and appreciative for others’ benevolence towards them and these feelings of gratitude needed to be expressed. Furthermore, they were grateful for friends and opportunities to excel since they also received support from peers and were able to learn from their experiences. In expressing gratitude, the participants alluded to showing their gratitude mainly through behaviour such as babysitting siblings, being respectful, attending school and performing well academically, verbalising their gratitude towards benefactors. In addition, this study extended...