PPIN 802 RESEARCH PAPER 1 1
The Impact Of Gratitude Intervention On Mental Health Outcomes In
Muslim Adults
Name
Sana
10170378
Dr Sobia Ikram
Psychological Intervention (PPIN 802)
Research Paper 1
Msc PIC
International Open University
20 May 2025
The Impact Of Gratitude Intervention On Mental Health Outcomes In Muslim Adults 2
Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
Gratitude is recognized as one of the most potent emotions that help in improving
emotional well-being and building better relationships among people. Recent years have been
witnessed to observe that the new interventions with gratitude have been of psychological
benefits in reducing the signs of depression and anxiety and strengthening mental health. The
new emphasis on this exciting area of research corresponds to the shift—the shift toward
broader and positive psychology from pathology and treatment-oriented approaches finding
roots in clinical psychology. Sadly, much of this emerging research has been done within the
boundaries of secular and Western environments, leaving much room for ignorance about
gratitude interventions from a population point of view framed around religious or spiritual
worldview contexts like those found in Muslims.
For Islam, gratitude (shukr) is a major ethical and spiritual value found everywhere in
the Qur'anic teachings and Prophetic traditions. Indeed, the Qur'an calls believers to thanks to
Allah even repeatedly (Qur'an 14:7). At the same time, more than several hadiths pointed that
this moral virtue must be complemented with a great way to spiritual contentment and mental
balance. The famous classical scholars such as Al-Ghazali, Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya, and
Fakhr al-Din al-Razi wrote much on the transformative power of gratitude in purifying the
soul and maintaining emotional equilibrium. However, there has been little empirical
research conducted on how structured gratitude interventions might affect mental health
outcomes among Muslim populations, despite the conceptual overlap between Islamic
teaching and modern psychological models of gratitude. This study intends to bridge the gap
by exploring the effect of a gratitude-based intervention on depression levels and anxiety
among Muslim adults.
As documented with the increasing prevalence of mental health problems of all types
worldwide-mental health problems such as depression and anxiety-it creates a huge need for
interventions that are appropriate culturally and religiously. Muslim communities typically
experience barriers to these types of care-from stigma, a lack of culturally appropriate
therapies, or religious misconceptions regarding mental illness. Therefore, evidence-based
The Impact Of Gratitude Intervention On Mental Health Outcomes In Muslim Adults 3
interventions that are not only efficacious but also develop with Islamic values would play a
major role in promoting psychological resilience within this population. Empirically
evaluating a gratitude intervention that stems from both contemporary psychological theory
and Islamic ethical teachings, this research aims at contributing to the developing field of
Islamic psychology. It would, thus, provide practical, accessible solutions to augment well-
being while enhancing academic discourse in cultural inclusiveness in mental health
practices.
In the last two decades, ample psychological research has been done on various levels
of gratitude and its contribution to mental well-being. The main work of Emmons and
McCullough (2003), subsequent to which appreciation-related interventions, including
various daily gratitude practices as well as letter writing, were instituted, established that
persons who engaged regularly in gratitude journaling exhibited higher levels of positive
affect engagingly, optimism, and life satisfaction while showing lower symptoms of
depression.
Additionally, Wood et al. (2010) demonstrated that gratitude acts as an aegis
protecting against the onset of psychopathology. When the level of trait gratitude in
individuals was elevated, stress levels and symptoms of mental disorders (depression,
anxiety) in longitudinal studies decreased.In addition, gratitude mediated the relationship
between the more objective measure of social support and measures of mental health,
indicating that grateful individuals may draw more benefit from their social environment. In
this way, gratitude is thus shown to be a multidimensional construct having cognitive,
emotional, and behavioral components that subsequently mediate mental health outcomes.
A meta-analysis of positive psychology interventions conducted by Sin and
Lyubomirsky in 2009 showed that gratitude interventions boost well-being and diminish
depressive symptoms more strongly when implemented for a longer period or in a more
intensive way. This suggests that gratitude interventions could be useful for both clinical and
non-clinical populations. However, it has often been assumed that these interventions are
culturally neutral, with little consideration given to how the effectiveness of these
interventions might be shaped in some cases by religious or spiritual worldviews.
The Impact Of Gratitude Intervention On Mental Health Outcomes In Muslim Adults 4
Gratitude (shukr) is one of the core concepts in Islamic theology and spirituality that
is regarded as instrumental for human well-being. The Qur’an reiterates how there is no value
in these blessings if the person is not grateful for them when it says: “If you are grateful, I
will surely increase you [in favor]” (Qur’an 14:7). Thus, in Islam, gratitude is not only an
important personal virtue but is also regarded as an act of worship that acknowledges the
uninterrupted blessings of Allah and responds to Him in humility, obedience, and generosity.
According to Al-Ghazali, gratitude is a threefold affair consisting of knowledge of the
blessing, acknowledgment in the heart, and action. He insists that true gratitude is not mere
expression; it finds fulfillment only in action and submission to Divine will. Ibn Qayyim al-
Jawziyya also dedicated much of his work to it, claiming that it is one of the two wings in the
extensive realm of spiritual life. The other wing is patience. He argued for the immediate
effect of gratitude upon the tranquil state of the heart and contentment of the soul, which
could be considered states of mental health.
Such Islamic views offer richly conceived foundations very well aligned with modern
psychological theories of gratitude as a cognitive-emotional process promoting subjective
well-being. However, there appears to be a serious gap in empirical studies testing whether
the teachings on gratitude within Islam, once operationalized as a structured intervention,
have measurable effects on psychological outcomes such as anxiety or depression.
It's been a sort of recent phenomenon that, with socioeconomic, cultural, and
discriminatory challenges, Muslim populations across the globe have reported increased
incidences of mental health cases, such as stress, anxiety, and depression. Due to some
differences between Western mental health prescriptions and their understanding of the
world, many Muslims have, in fact, inhibited themselves from seeking psychological help
(Amer & Hovey, 2012). Thus, there is a demand for interventions that are culturally
congruent with Islamic values and seen with scientific scrutiny.
The Impact Of Gratitude Intervention On Mental Health Outcomes In Muslim Adults 5
Khan & Watson (2006) in the study on religiosity and mental health among Muslim
college students in the U.S. found that Islamic spiritual practices, such as gratitude and
remembering God through dhikr, were associated with lower depression and anxiety. These
studies, however, are mostly correlational and do not involve any structured and replicable
intervention.
Abu-Raiya and Pargament (2015) propose developing psychological models that are
culturally and spiritually integrated to respect Muslim persons' religious commitments. They
furthermore state that gratitude, prayer, and other Islamic practices may serve as appropriate
therapeutic tools, provided they are suitably modified. Incorporating Islamic concepts into
empirically validated interventions would go a long way toward resolving the dichotomy
between faith and psychology, thus making mental health care more attainable and
acceptable.
Though the theoretical and theological grounding of gratitude is seemingly strongly
supported in psychology and Islam alike, empirical studies testing gratitude interventions
among Muslims are virtually nonexistent. Most of the literature conducted is based on
correlational studies measuring the levels of gratitude and mental health without intervention
in the manipulation of variables. Besides, little attention has been paid to whether secularized
gratitude interventions will therefore be effective for those whose worldview is dominantly
Islamic.
Few studies have also looked at the mechanisms of change that make gratitude
produce improvement in mental health—is it due to an increase in positive affect, less
rumination, more spirituality, or increased social relations? Understanding these mediators
and moderators will serve to enhance the tailoring of the interventions.
Therefore, the realization of this gap led to a study that tests a formalized gratitude
intervention among Muslim adults, measuring its effects on depression and anxiety with well-
validated instruments from psychology. To enhance the cultural relevance and appeal of the
The Impact Of Gratitude Intervention On Mental Health Outcomes In Muslim Adults 6
intervention, Islamic principles have been incorporated to increase effectiveness and
acceptance.
Statement of Problem
The present study focus to evaluate the impact of gratitude interventions on mental
health outcomes, such as depression and anxiety, within a sample of Muslims. This study
investigates how one such formal gratitude-based intervention strategically influences mental
health and becomes pertinent under culturally and religiously relevant lenses. Topics will
include effectiveness, cultural acceptability, and alignment of gratitude practices with Islamic
values.
Significance of Study
In different populations, including Muslim communities, increased challenges accrue
on mental health concerns like depression and anxiety, while therapeutic access to culturally
appropriate and religiously sensitive interventions remains scant. While gratitude
interventions have been proven to increase psychological well-being in different contexts, not
much empirical inquiry has been excavated in this area from an Islamic point of view. This
study is very important because it brings modern practices of psychology to the lessons of
Islam through practicing that which is empirical in relevance.
This study also summarizes and brings to light an often alienated population-the
Muslim adult-to issue in research on mental well-being. It has implications for mental health
practitioners, religious advisers, and the organized community that desires faith-based
approaches to wellness. This research will help pave the way for developing integrative
therapies that can employ clinical settings, religious institutions, or use self-care practices.
Finally, it integrates the field of Islamic psychology as it bases theoretical constructs like
shukr in practice evidence..
The Impact Of Gratitude Intervention On Mental Health Outcomes In Muslim Adults 7
Theoretical Framework
1. Positive Psychology Theory:
This study seeks to understand the principles set out in Positive Psychology,
defined largely by Seligman and his cohort, as a mechanism by which positive human
strengths and virtues may be built upon to assist individuals towards their well-being.
In this regard, gratitude becomes an important concept, as it brings about higher levels
of happiness, lower levels of depression, and improved ability to cope. Interventions
for the enhancement of gratitude, as noted by Emmons and McCullough in 2003, are
designed in such a way that they encourage one to shift his or her focus from the
negativity of an event to the positivity of an event entirely, which builds emotional
resilience and psychological growth. In this regard, gratitude is viewed as a
psychological tool that is actively trained for the purpose of improving mental health
and well-being.
2. Islamic Psychology:
Concurrently, Islamic Psychology informs the study, viewing psychological
and spiritual well-being as interdependent. In this context, shukr (gratitude) is a core
spiritual practice that results in contentment (rida), trust in divine will (tawakkul), and
peace of mind. Traditional scholars like Al-Ghazali and Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya have
highlighted the therapeutic aspect of gratitude in coping with distress and cultivating
the soul. Al-Ghazali in Ihya' 'Ulum al-Din defined gratitude as a state that transforms
the individual into moving closer to Allah, hence providing emotional and spiritual
equilibrium.
Aims/Objectives
● To investigate the influence of the intervention in gratitude on the levels of depression
and anxiety in Muslim adults.
● To examine whether adding Islamic teachings in gratitude would enhance the
intervention's effectiveness.
The Impact Of Gratitude Intervention On Mental Health Outcomes In Muslim Adults 8
● To evaluate the pre- and post-intervention mental health outcomes utilizing
standardized instruments designated for the purpose, namely, PHQ-9 for depression
and GAD-7 for anxiety.
● To investigate the role of the intervention in drawing a comparison between the
experimental group and its control.
● To probe the relationship between the practice of gratitude and mental health
improvements developed within the framework of Islamic culture.
● To furnish empirical evidence for integrating Islamic psychology with contemporary
therapeutic approaches.
● To suggest culturally and religiously tailored mental health interventions for the
Muslim population.
● To analyse the data collected and draw conclusions regarding the influence of Islamic
mindfulness practices on academic performance and well-being.
Hypothesis
● Null Hypothesis H0: There will be no significant difference in depression and
anxiety levels among Muslim adults before and after the gratitude intervention.
● Alternative Hypothesis H1: There will be a significant reduction in depression and
anxiety levels among Muslim adults after the gratitude intervention.
Operational Definitions
Islamic Gratitude (Shukr) According to Islam, it is a spiritual term that
denotes the act through which one recognizes
and responds to the gifts of Allah that he has
given-hearts, tongues, and limbs. It has
legalistic, and Moorish dimensions, both
Qur'anic and Hadith, of obligatory moral
The Impact Of Gratitude Intervention On Mental Health Outcomes In Muslim Adults 9
behest and thereafter an avenue for well-being
improvement (Al-Ghazali, 2004).
Gratitude Intervention This is an apparently structured psychological
activity directed to enhance one's awareness
and expression of gratifications. In this study,
this intervention consisted of a prescribed
period of daily gratitudinal reflection
journaling as informed by the Islamic
teachings (Emmons & McCullough, 2003).
Depression A mental illness manifested by a sad mood
state accompanied by a lack of interest and a
wide range of emotional and physical
difficulties. In this present study,
measurement was with the Patient Health
Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), a validated self-
administered measure for depressive
symptoms (Kroenke et al., 2001).
Anxiety A mental state characterized by excessive
worry, nervousness, and fear that can interfere
with the functioning of the day. In the current
study, anxiety was measured with the help of
the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item
scale (GAD-7) (Spitzer et al., 2006).
Rationale
1. Emerging Mental Health Needs among Muslim Communities
Muslim adults go through various mental health problems, particularly
depression and anxiety, which necessitate much more culturally-sensitive, Islamic
value-based approaches. This research targets the urgent need to address the supply
and demand in faith-integrated approaches to mental well-being.
The Impact Of Gratitude Intervention On Mental Health Outcomes In Muslim Adults 10
2. Gap Between the Islamic Teachings and Psychology
Though Islamic teachings are about gratitude (shukr) as an ethical virtue in
relation to one's well-being, scientific literature is almost negligible on research that
combines Islamic principles with modern gratitude interventions. This helps in
bridging the gap created between the religious and psychological realms in this
research.
3. Evidence Linking Gratitude Interventions
Gratefully, research in Positive Psychology consistently shows that practice of
gratitude can reinforce psychological wellbeing and reduce symptoms of depression
and anxiety (Emmons & McCullough, 2003). However, little research has focused on
the same output for testing it on Muslim people.
4. Culture Cognizant and Accessible
Related to religious and cultural background: among other facilitators,
interventions usually tend to be more effective and well received. It stands to reason
that an Islamic-based gratitude intervention would be more relatable to and accepted
among Muslim adults.
5. Contribution to Islamic Psychology Literature
The study contributes to the infancy of Islamic psychology with empirical
evidence regarding the effectiveness of gratitude interventions based on modern
science and traditional Islamic knowledge.
6. Future Scope of Preventive Mental Health Interventions
If it is found to be effective, the technique could create a space for
economically non-pharmaceutical methods of health improvement into communities
whose health resources are scant or stigmatizing.
The Impact Of Gratitude Intervention On Mental Health Outcomes In Muslim Adults 11
7. Knowledgeable Policy and Practice
Data from the research may inform counselors and therapists, and even
Islamic scholars, on how to develop and plan spiritually common alternative mental
health programs for Muslim participants.
The Impact Of Gratitude Intervention On Mental Health Outcomes In Muslim Adults 12
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Emmons, R. A., & McCullough, M. E. (2003). Counting blessings versus burdens: An
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