Date

4-29-2026

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)

Chair

Angela Rathkamp

Keywords

gratitude, journaling, job satisfaction, healthcare workers, Social Exchange Theory

Disciplines

Psychology

Abstract

This quantitative experimental study sought to examine job satisfaction among healthcare workers in a hospital setting and to determine if the use of daily gratitude journaling increases job satisfaction. Healthcare workers were recruited from healthcare organizations within the United States. The aim of this study was to use reciprocity of Social Exchange Theory (SET) to encourage participants to use daily journaling prompts to focus on positive interactions within their organization and with leadership or colleagues. Data was collected using the Job Satisfaction Survey and the Gratitude Questionnaire-6 and analyzed using a paired samples-t test to compare pre- and post- intervention gratitude and job satisfaction. A convenience sample of 51 participants were obtained from social media sites and were required to meet eligibility requirements of 18 years or older, work directly in patient care in a hospital setting for no less than six months. Of the 51 participants who completed the initial pre-intervention survey, 27 participants completed the post-intervention survey. The results showed a statistically significant increase in gratitude among participants who completed the journaling intervention. However, results did not show a statistically significant increase in job satisfaction among the same group of participants. This study sought to address the gap in literature regarding specific interventions organizations can use to help aid in increasing gratitude and job satisfaction among their employees.

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