Beat the pandemic blues by developing gratitude in kids as it builds resilience
SINGAPORE - One of the best ways to beat pandemic blues may be to get kids to be thankful.
Research from the National Institute of Education showed that engaging in acts of gratitude increased students' resilience, well-being and improved their relationships.
At the same time, doing gratitude-related activities reduced depressive symptoms and perceived stress among teenagers.
More than 500 students aged between 13 and 16 from neighbourhood schools were involved in three studies over the last nine years.
They were put through various gratitude-related activities weekly, over a six to eight-week period, before they were asked to fill up a questionnaire.
The activities included counting their blessings, where they reflected and wrote a gratitude journal, making a collage such as a gratitude tree of things they are grateful for, or making a card to thank someone.
Senior research scientist from NIE, Dr Imelda Caleon, who has been studying gratitude among youths for the past nine years, said the results are significant as the studies gave generally consistent results.
In the first study which ran from 2013 to 2016, the activities generated greater increase in students' life satisfaction and reduction in depressive symptoms - an indication of improved well-being.
Students also reported having improved relationships with their peers.
In the second study from 2015 to 2018, the activities were effective in preventing an increase in depressive symptoms.
Students reported more positive relationships with teachers and peers and were found to have cultivated greater school resilience.
In the third study from 2017 to 2021, students were asked a series of questions relating to emotional dysregulation and peer problems, such as: "When I'm upset, I become out of control", or "I am usually on my own".
The study found reduced perceived stress and greater
school resilience, especially among students who have difficulty regulating their emotions, and may have peer relationship problems.
Said Dr Caleon: "It appears that those who need it the most, are also the ones who benefit most from the gratitude intervention activities."
She added that the data collected shows that gratitude is an important trait to develop, especially among youths during the pandemic.
"I read reports of youth showing signs of high levels of anxiety, depressive symptoms, increasing symptoms of stress and a drop in overall well-being.
"At that age they are also experiencing a barrage of developmental changes. Gratitude is one emotion we can focus on to promote well being," she said.
She added that gratitude can be considered a core emotion that could lead to other positive outcomes like better relationships and even academic results.
"There are positive cascading effects that can be associated with gratitude. Gratitude leads to better well-being, which would lead to a greater sense of belonging. Literature shows when students have more positive relationships, achievement outcomes will follow," she said.
She noted that teens can reap more benefits if the activities are done regularly.
"It is more useful to make gratitude a habit or a disposition, it is not as effective if it is just a one-off activity. It has to be sustained activities that are done regularly, at least once a week to see effects," she said.
Mr Eugene Tay, a psychologist from PsycHealth Practice under Healthway Medical Group, added that teens who learn about gratitude are more likely to experience less mental health concerns such as depression, substance abuse and delinquency.
Youth can learn to develop gratitude where they appreciate the actions of others or their own more, he said, but added that the process of developing gratitude would require patience, as gratitude does not immediately guarantee good outcomes.
What parents can do to further develop gratitude in youths
Mr Eugene Tay, a psychologist from PsycHealth Practice under Healthway Medical Group, suggests these five ways:
Daily reflection
Parents can get their child to share one to three things that have gone well during the day, either at dinnertime or before bed.
"Not every day may be great, but there is always something to be grateful for. If your child or teen does not feel like sharing, offer your own highlight. For example, you can tell your child that your favourite part of the day is to come home and see them," he said.
Count your blessings
Encourage everyone in the family to write down something they are thankful for, either on a board or simply on paper and popping that into a jar, suggested Mr Tay.
At the end of each week, a note can be taken out to be shared among the family. Alternatively, when someone feels low or down, they can dip into the jar to pick out a note.
"It's a lovely way to foster a culture of gratitude within the family as well as an opportunity to connect and express appreciation for each other," said Mr Tay.
Helping others
Encouraging our children to help others can help your child appreciate their life. Help them find causes they feel passionate over and allow them to contribute in their own way, said Mr Tay.
Mr Sung Yeow Kang, 44, a vice-president at Sembcorp Industries and his wife, Madam Tan Kwee Lin, 42, an operational risk manager in a bank, encouraged their two children, Hsien Yi, aged 11, and Rui En, eight, to donate their birthday gifts to a good cause three years ago when they said that they did not need presents.
Together, they chose a charity, the Children's Cancer Foundation, and they raised $3,310 in hongbaos from family and friends, matched dollar-for-dollar by Mr Sung and Madam Tan.
Madam Tan said involving her kids in the process of selecting the charity, writing a thank you speech to their family and friends who donated, got them excited about helping the cause.
They did a bake sale the following year, and donated the proceeds to St Luke's Eldercare Centre.
Madam Tan said these acts taught her children to count their blessings.
"Children are like a blank piece of paper - we need to give them exposure so that they can see that not everyone is as fortunate as them."
Positive language
Many people either assume or attribute fault when something goes awry.
Instead of simply saying, "I am sorry for being late", try adding, "Thanks for waiting for me", said Mr Tay.
This helps turn the focus away from the negative toward a more positive tone.
Model gratitude
The best thing to do as parents in guiding children toward gratitude is to help them model good behaviours. Children are constantly watching and observing our every single move and often take their cues from us. How we respond to situations, be it the pandemic or life crises, would have an impact on them later in life.
Said Mr Tay: "Start by letting them see you giving your time, being kind and helpful toward others, showing appreciation of the people and things around you. The aim is to plant seeds in their minds and soon they will imitate you."
Read the original article here.
Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction.
.tmb-listing.jpg?sfvrsn=79bc95bc_2)
.tmb-listing.jpg?sfvrsn=435f8202_2)
