The Relation Between Personal Values and Gratitude: Does It Differ Between Young Adults From Divorced Families and Married Families?

Trait gratitude is an individual characteristic that makes people aware of the positive aspects of their lives and situations, and it represents a significant resource when facing critical life transitions. However, only a few studies have investigated which factors might promote gratitude. This study sought to fill this gap by analyzing the relationship between personal values and trait gratitude in a group of young adults with divorced parents compared to peers with married parents. One hundred and twenty-three Italian young adults (44.7% from divorced families) completed the Portrait Values Questionnaire-21 and the Gratitude Teen Survey. Results showed that conservation and self-transcendence values were positively related to gratitude for both groups. In contrast, self-enhancement values were positively associated with gratitude only among young adults with divorced parents. Limitations of the study, practical implications, and future research developments are discussed.