Author Name: – Sathyapriya Sakarias, Dr. Jeena Madhavan / Date:– 4th April, 2025
Abstract
Abstract Adolescents living in orphanages often face significant emotional challenges due to limited familial support, exposure to trauma, and unstable life circumstances. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a structured four-week gratitude intervention on the emotional wellbeing of adolescents residing in orphanages. A quasi-experimental design was used,20 participants aged 13 to 18 years from institutional care. The study utilized the Scale of Positive and Negative Experience (SPANE) to assess the emotional well-being of the participants. The four-week intervention included weekly group sessions and daily gratitude-based homework. Activities included gratitude journaling, mindful walks, peer conversations, and creative exercises like the gratitude flower. Daily homework reinforced emotional awareness and gratitude practice outside the sessions. The results indicated a significant increase in positive affect and a reduction in negative affect, leading to improved affect balance post-intervention. No significant gender differences were observed. These findings support existing research suggesting that gratitude enhances psychological well-being, promotes emotional regulation, and strengthens resilience among adolescents. This study contributes to the fields of psychology, social work, and child welfare by presenting gratitude as a low-cost, adaptable tool for emotional empowerment. It emphasizes the need to integrate structured gratitude practices into mental health programs for vulnerable adolescents. Future research with larger samples and control groups is recommended to validate and expand upon these results.
Keywords: Emotional empowerment, Gratitude intervention, Orphaned adolescents, Positive psychology, Psychological wellbeing.
