Gratitude among University Students in Relation to Their Spirituality and Certain Demographic Variables

Abstract

The present study was primarily conducted to determine the relationship between spirituality, demographic factors, and gratitude. Spirituality is finding meaning and purpose to what is considered significant or sacred, a   personal belief system that helps a person “make sense” out of life. Gratitude is the appreciation of what is valuable and meaningful to one; it is a state of thankfulness or appreciation. Gratitude is related to positive aspects of life; therefore, this study focuses on the relationship between gratitude and spirituality. A sample of 80 students from Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh has been selected using a random sampling method. The Spirituality Questionnaire developed by Hardt et al.  It consists of 20 items and has four dimensions and Gratitude Questionnaire (GQ-6) by Michael E. McCullough. It consists of 6 items used to measure spirituality and gratitude, respectively. For analyses descriptive statistics, the Pearson correlation method and regression analysis were used.  The finding of the study revealed a significant positive relationship between gratitude and spirituality. The dimensions of spirituality (belief in God, search for meaning, mindfulness and feeling of security) were also found to be positively related to gratitude. Age and religion show a positive correlation. The result of stepwise regression shows that spirituality, religion and age emerged as significant predictors of gratitude. This study is one of its kind, few studies have been conducted in a combination of these variables.