Introduction and psychometric properties of the Hungarian version of the gratitude questionnaire (GQ-6-H)

Abstract

Background: The Gratitude Questionnaire (McCullough, Emmon, & Tsang, 2002) is a frequently applied measure for assessing dispositional gratitude in positive psychological research. Aim: In the present study, we present the Hungarian adaptation of the Gratitude Questionnaire (GQ-6-H) and its psychometric properties. Method: Data from two cross-sectional questionnaire studies (N = 577, 182 male, 393 female) are analyzed. Along with GQ-6-H, we administered the Satisfaction with Life Scale, Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale and Meaning in Life Questionnaire, and in a subsample self-rated health and subjective financial status were assessed as well. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis provided evidence for a unidmensional structure for the GQ-6-H that also has good reliability (Cronbach's alphas between 0.75 and 0.79) and an acceptable test - retest stability. Level of gratitude was predicted by sociodemographic characteristics, that is, sex and education: females (beta = 0.201, p < 0.001) and respondents with middle and higher educational level (betas = 0.304 and 0.415, p < 0.01) reported higher gratitude. Moreover, gratitude predicted life satisfaction positively (beta = 0.230, p < 0.001) and independently from presence of meaning in life and self-esteem. Conclusions: The results indicate that the Hungarian version of the Gratitude Questionnaire is a reliable and valid measure for assessing the personal capacity for a grateful disposition.