Development of an interpersonal gratitude scale for children

Abstract

In the present study, a scale was developed to measure interpersonal gratitude, and its reliability and validity were confirmed. Fourth- to sixth-grade pupils (TV = 1068) completed a questionnaire that assessed interpersonal gratitude, positive and negative mood, empathy, self-worth, cognitions about friendship, and aggression. Principal component analysis and confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the interpersonal gratitude scale was composed of 8 items with a 1-factor model. Further, the internal consistency of the scale was shown by calculating Cronbach's a, and its concurrent validity was demonstrated by evidence that interpersonal gratitude was correlated positively with positive affect, empathy, and favorable friendship, and negatively with aggression. The girls scored higher than the boys on interpersonal gratitude. The availability of the scale and prospects for future research on gratitude in elementary school pupils were discussed.