Situational determinants of young children's gratitude: The effects of perceived intentionality and the value of the benefit on gratitude and prosocial behavior.

Across a series of studies, we examined the effects of the intentionality of the benefactor and the value of the benefit on 3- to 6-year-old children's gratitude, using an experimental design. Feelings and expressions of gratitude were used as indicators of gratitude, and prosocial behavior toward the benefactor was examined as a possible behavioral correlate. Experiment 1 (N = 175) showed that the benevolent intention of the benefactor affected preschool children's gratitude and helping behavior toward the benefactor. Experiment 2 (N = 172) found significant effects for the perceived value of the benefit on children's gratitude and prosociality. Experiment 3 (N = 218) showed that children's gratitude was influenced by both the value of the gift and the benefactor's benevolent intentions. Children's theory-of-mind abilities mediated the relationship between children's age and gratitude. The results suggest that intention and gift value may act as determinants of gratitude in early childhood. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Grateful and kind: The prosocial function of gratitude in young children's relationships.

Three experiments showed that gratitude positively affected preschool children's prosocial behavior. In the studies, the experimenter induced gratitude by giving a token gift and then making a request for help or to share resources. Experiment 1 (N = 126, 4- to 6-year-olds) showed that gratitude increased helping behaviors toward the benefactor, and that emphasis on the benefactor's intention had a significant effect on helping behaviors. Experiment 2 (N = 129, 4- to 6-year-olds) indicated that grateful emotions increased the likelihood that the children would help not only the benefactor but also a stranger. Experiment 3 (N = 133, 3- to 6-year-olds) showed that gratitude motivated preschoolers' sharing behavior with the benefactor. Children's theory-of-mind and their understanding of the benefactor's intention mediated the relationship between children's age, gratitude, and prosociality. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).