Effects of a Newly Developed Gratitude Intervention Program on Work Engagement Among Japanese Workers: A Pre- and Posttest Study

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop a 3-week gratitude intervention program that included gratitude lists and behavioral gratitude expression and to examine the effect of the program on work engagement, gratitude, self-efficacy, psychological distress, and job performance in a pretest-posttest study design.

METHODS: Eight hundred thirty-five employees were recruited for the study. The outcomes were measured at baseline, postintervention, and at 6-week follow-up. Estimated means at the three points were compared in a mixed model for repeated measures.

RESULTS: One hundred forty-five workers were included and analyzed. Work engagement showed no significant improvement after the intervention. However, gratitude, self-efficacy, psychological distress, and job performance improved significantly.

CONCLUSIONS: The program might be effective for improving gratitude, self-efficacy, psychological distress, and job performance, but further modification of the program is needed to improve the effect on work engagement.