What Forms of Gratitude Expression are Most Appreciated? Applications for Christian Leaders

Authors

David R. Dunaetz, Azusa Pacific University
Peggy Lanum, Azusa Pacific University

First Page

55

Last Page

70

Abstract

Both the emotion and expression of gratitude produce benefits for the person who is thankful, as well as the person being thanked. This study explores the degree to which various forms of gratitude expression are appreciated by those being thanked. In a survey-based study (N=361), costly, private expressions of gratitude were more appreciated by people being thanked than less costly, public expressions. Higher levels of the HEXACO personality traits of conscientiousness and emotionality increased the degree to which people appreciated being thanked. Lower honesty-humility (e.g., narcissism) predicted a greater appreciation of receiving public expressions of gratitude while higher honesty-humility predicted a greater appreciation of receiving private expressions of gratitude. This information can be used by Christian leaders to help equip others for ministry.

Recommended Citation

Dunaetz, David R. and Lanum, Peggy (2020) "What Forms of Gratitude Expression are Most Appreciated? Applications for Christian Leaders," Journal of Applied Christian Leadership: Vol. 14: No. 1, 55-70.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/jacl/vol14/iss1/7